Amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, India has stepped up naval operations to ensure the safe passage of its energy imports through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The sea corridor, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, handles approximately 25 percent of global oil shipments and accounts for nearly 80 percent of India’s energy imports, highlighting its critical importance to trade and national energy security.
Under Operation Sankalp, Indian naval warships are maintaining continuous surveillance and escorting India-bound vessels navigating the narrow and conflict-prone waterway. The latest deployment includes INS Surat, a modern missile destroyer equipped with long-range surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, and multi-role combat systems capable of executing a variety of maritime operations. The operation ensures that Indian trade vessels can navigate the region despite disruptions caused by Iran’s attacks on regional shipping and the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel.
Officials report that, since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, 22 India-bound vessels carrying 611 seafarers have been stranded on the west side of the Strait, with another four vessels stuck on the east side. The Indian Navy has successfully escorted several India-flagged vessels through the strait in recent days. Notably:
First, Shivalik, an LPG carrier transporting 40,000 metric tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas, safely reached Mundra Port in Gujarat, with partial cargo scheduled for onward transport to Mangalore. Second, Jag Laadki, carrying 81,000 tonnes of Murban crude oil, sailed safely from the UAE and is now en route to India, discharging cargo mid-sea as a precaution following attacks on the Fujairah oil terminal. Third, Nanda Devi, transporting 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG, arrived at Vadinar port, Gujarat, and its cargo will be transferred to other vessels for distribution to Tamil Nadu.
These operations underscore India’s strategic approach to protecting critical trade routes and energy imports in a volatile geopolitical environment. The naval escort not only mitigates risks to Indian-flagged vessels but also ensures continuity of energy supply, which is vital for domestic economic stability and trade policy planning.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified that India does not have a “blanket arrangement” with Iran for transit through the strait. Each passage is negotiated individually, reflecting the complex diplomatic and policy engagement required to secure maritime trade amidst heightened tensions. According to the minister, ongoing dialogues with Tehran have allowed at least two Indian-flagged tankers to pass safely, demonstrating India’s reliance on a combination of diplomacy and naval capability to maintain trade flows.
In addition to the Strait of Hormuz, India’s naval forces are also active in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Maldives, and Seychelles, conducting anti-piracy operations and securing commercial shipping lanes. These coordinated deployments highlight India’s broader policy of safeguarding international trade routes critical to its energy security and economic interests.
As global energy prices remain volatile due to disruptions in the Gulf, India’s proactive maritime strategy reflects a careful blend of trade protection, national policy, and diplomatic engagement, ensuring uninterrupted supply chains while mitigating risks from regional instability. The operation underscores the central role of naval preparedness in maintaining the security of international trade in conflict-sensitive waterways.