Indian Navy Deploys Warships Near Persian Gulf To Safeguard Merchant Vessels Bound For India

Several warships from the Indian Navy have been deployed near the Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels sailing towards India as tensions continue in West Asia.

Officials said on Sunday that the naval ships are on standby and ready to help commercial vessels if needed while they pass through the region.

Sources said the Indian naval vessels in the area are prepared to support merchant ships bound for India if any emergency or security threat arises. Their presence is meant to reassure shipping companies operating in the region during the current tensions.

The patrols are being carried out under Operation Sankalp. Under this mission, Indian warships monitor key sea lanes and escort merchant vessels when required. The operation focuses on shipping routes linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.

Officials said the deployment helps ensure the safe movement of cargo ships passing through busy sea lanes that carry a large share of the world’s oil and gas supplies.

Amid the tense situation, two Indian-flagged vessels carrying liquefied petroleum gas were recently allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities.

One of the vessels, Shivalik, was last reported by ship tracking systems to be sailing in the Gulf of Oman and is expected to reach its destination by March 21.

Another LPG carrier, Nanda Devi, is also on its way. Both ships are expected to reach the coast of Gujarat within the next few days.

Their safe passage is important for maintaining India’s energy supplies as shipping risks in the region remain high.

Earlier, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said that 24 Indian-flagged vessels with 668 Indian seafarers were operating in the Persian Gulf region.

Another 76 Indian seafarers were on board three ships located east of the Strait of Hormuz.

The ministry said the Directorate General of Shipping is working with shipowners, recruitment agencies and Indian missions abroad to track vessel movements and ensure the safety of crews.

Since setting up a 24-hour control room, authorities have handled more than 2,425 calls and 4,441 emails related to the maritime situation. The centre has also helped bring back more than 223 stranded Indian seafarers.

Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, said that Iran would allow ships heading to India to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz despite the conflict in the region. He said Iran and India share long-standing relations and common interests.

Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi also said that Iran has never intended to close the Strait of Hormuz, although shipping activity has slowed due to the security situation.

References: ANI News, Money Control