The Indian Navy has dispatched several warships to the Persian Gulf in response to ongoing tensions in West Asia, aiming to assist merchant vessels en route to India. These naval ships are on standby to provide support if any emergencies or security threats arise, offering reassurance to shipping companies operating in the area. This initiative is part of Operation Sankalp, which monitors critical sea lanes and escorts merchant ships as needed, ensuring the safety of cargo transport in these busy routes.
Recent reports indicate that two Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have been granted safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities. Their safe transit is vital for maintaining India’s energy supplies amidst heightened shipping risks in the region. Currently, 24 Indian vessels with over 600 Indian seafarers are active in the Persian Gulf, with additional crews aboard ships near the Strait.
To manage the situation, the Directorate General of Shipping is collaborating with various stakeholders to track vessel movements and ensure crew safety. Notably, Iran’s ambassador to India has reiterated that Iranian authorities will allow ships heading to India to pass safely through the Strait, emphasizing the longstanding ties and shared interests between the two nations.
