Indian Navy Escorts LPG Tankers Safely Through Strait of Hormuz
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Operation Sankalp: India’s Maritime Security Mission in the Gulf
Rising Gulf Tensions Prompt Continued Naval Deployment
INS Sudarshini Reaches Malta During Global Voyage
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Indian Navy warships deployed in the Gulf region under Operation Sankalp are maintaining a constant watch on India-bound cargo vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The Times of India (TOI).A naval warship stationed off the Oman coast continues to monitor the situation closely and keep a watch on merchant vessels heading towards India amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region.Under the surveillance of the Indian Navy, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers owned by the Shipping Corporation of India, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India.Government sources cited in TOI report said the tanker Shivalik was being escorted by an Indian Navy warship to ensure safe passage through the strategically sensitive waters.Meanwhile, another Indian-flagged oil tanker, Jag Prakash, carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also departed from east of the Strait of Hormuz.The Indian Navy launched Operation Sankalp on June 19, 2019, to protect Indian-flagged vessels transiting through the Gulf region and ensure the safe movement of maritime trade.The mission was initiated in coordination with several government departments, including the ministries of defence, external affairs, shipping, petroleum and natural gas, along with the Directorate General of Shipping.During the operation, 23 Indian Navy warships were deployed in rotation across the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, and several vessels continue to remain stationed in the region.The naval deployment comes amid rising geopolitical tensions across the wider Gulf region. Officials say the presence of Indian warships is critical to protect Indian maritime interests.Around 23,000 Indian seafarers are currently employed on merchant ships, offshore installations and other vessels operating in the region, while about 24 ships are positioned near the Strait of Hormuz.Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, indicated earlier that India may soon receive assurances for safe passage of its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.Separately, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini has arrived at the historic port of Valletta as part of its transoceanic expedition Lokayan-26, according to the Ministry of Defence.The vessel reached Valletta on March 12, marking an important milestone in its 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage aimed at strengthening maritime ties.The ship had earlier sailed through the Suez Canal and made a port call at Alexandria.The voyage began from Kochi on January 20, and the ship is currently in the second month of its global mission.Inputs from TOI