India has bolstered its naval presence in the Gulf of Oman, deploying over six warships under Operation Sankalp to escort Indian-flagged fuel carriers through the Strait of Hormuz. This marks a significant expansion of India’s naval operations in the region since the onset of the Hormuz crisis on February 28. The Indian vessels are stationed east of the strait, adhering to a non-escalatory approach while safeguarding its maritime interests.
Currently, 22 Indian merchant ships, carrying around 611 seafarers, remain stranded in the Persian Gulf, unable to pass through the strait. This situation poses both humanitarian concerns and energy security risks for India, which relies heavily on Gulf imports. The Ministry of External Affairs is negotiating with Iranian authorities for safe passage, and assurances have been provided for ships bound for India.
A notable success from Operation Sankalp occurred on March 16 when the LPG tanker Shivalik safely reached Mundra Port in Gujarat. Its arrival alleviated fears of domestic shortages in the LPG supply chain. Additionally, the deployment of logistics vessels signifies a long-term commitment by the Indian Navy to protect its shipping routes, particularly as disruptions in the Hormuz Strait affect global oil trade.
