New Delhi: In response to rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Indian Navy Gulf of Oman deployment has been significantly expanded to ensure the safe passage of Indian fuel carriers. Officials familiar with the development said India is sending additional warships to the region as it anticipates Iran allowing vessels to pass through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.
The enhanced Indian Navy Gulf of Oman deployment will increase the number of warships in the region to six or seven, strengthening maritime security for Indian-flagged vessels navigating through the volatile waters.
Rising Tensions Around Strait of Hormuz
The move comes amid escalating tensions following military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran, which have effectively disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow passage handles nearly 20% of global crude oil supplies, making it one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
According to the Ministry of Shipping, at least 22 Indian-flagged vessels are currently stranded west of the strait due to the ongoing crisis.
Escort Operations Underway
Earlier this week, an Indian warship successfully escorted an India-flagged oil tanker from the Gulf of Oman to India’s west coast after it departed from Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates. This highlights the active role of the Indian Navy Gulf of Oman deployment in ensuring maritime safety.
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Currently, three Indian warships are stationed east of the Strait of Hormuz, and several fuel carriers have already begun their journey back to India under naval protection. Notably, two LPG carriers—Shivalik and Nanda Devi—recently delivered 92,712 metric tonnes of LPG to Indian ports after transiting the strait last week.
Operation Sankalp in Focus
The ongoing Indian Navy Gulf of Oman deployment is part of Operation Sankalp, launched in 2019 to protect Indian maritime interests in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman following earlier security incidents. The operation continues to play a key role in safeguarding India’s energy lifelines and boosting confidence among shipping operators.
Despite the evolving situation, the Indian Navy has not issued an official statement regarding its expanded role since the conflict began on February 28.
Longstanding Maritime Vigilance
Apart from the Gulf of Oman operations, the Indian Navy maintains a continuous presence in the Gulf of Aden, where one warship has been conducting anti-piracy patrols since October 2008. These efforts aim to protect Indian trade routes and deter piracy in one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.
With the situation in West Asia remaining volatile, the Indian Navy Gulf of Oman deployment is expected to remain crucial in ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies and maritime security for India.