India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in West Asia, and the Indian Navy ships deployed under Operation Sankalp have been placed on standby to undertake Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations if required.
Currently, two Indian Navy warships — a frigate and a destroyer — are deployed in the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman as part of the ongoing mission. These vessels were originally deployed to conduct anti-piracy patrols and ensure the safety of merchant vessels.
One of the ships, INS Surat, is presently in Bahrain as part of a regional maritime security engagement. India has previously used its naval deployments in the region to conduct evacuation and relief operations during crises, and contingency plans remain in place if the situation escalates.
About Operation Sankalp
Operation Sankalp (Sanskrit for “Commitment”) is a proactive maritime security mission launched by the Indian Navy to protect merchant shipping and maintain maritime stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
| Feature | Details |
| Launched | 19 June 2019 |
| Trigger | Escalating attacks on commercial ships in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz |
| Region of Operation | Gulf of Aden, Gulf of Oman, and Strait of Hormuz |
| Main Objective | Protection of Indian merchant vessels and maritime trade |
Aim of Operation Sankalp
The mission aims to:
- Ensure secure passage of Indian commercial vessels through critical sea lanes.
- Counter the growing threat of piracy in the region.
- Safeguard India’s maritime trade and energy imports.
- Maintain regional maritime stability in the Indian Ocean Region.
Key Operational Features
1. Continuous Naval Presence
- Regular deployment of frigates and destroyers in the Gulf region.
- Provides constant monitoring of major international sea lanes.
2. Escort Missions
- The Indian Navy escorts merchant vessels passing through high-risk waters.
- Since the launch of the operation, hundreds of merchant ships carrying millions of tonnes of cargo have been escorted safely.
3. Maritime Surveillance
Surveillance operations include:
- Maritime patrol aircraft
- Surface warships
- Special Forces monitoring
Special Forces such as MARCOS (Marine Commandos) assist in monitoring and security operations.
4. Legal Framework
The operation is supported by the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022, which provides a legal basis for:
- Criminalizing piracy
- Prosecuting offenders involved in maritime crimes.
Current Deployment
| Platform | Role |
| Frigate | Anti-piracy patrol and maritime security |
| Destroyer | Protection of merchant ships and surveillance |
Operational Tasks
- Anti-piracy patrols
- Maritime surveillance
- Escort of commercial shipping
- Readiness for HADR missions
Strategic Importance of Operation Sankalp
1. Energy Security
- Nearly 62% of India’s crude oil imports originate from the Persian Gulf region.
- Protecting these sea routes is vital for India’s energy supply.
2. Protection of Maritime Trade
- India’s economy depends heavily on secure sea lanes for trade and shipping.
3. Regional Security Role
- Demonstrates India’s capability as a blue-water navy.
- Reinforces India’s role as a Preferred Security Partner in the Indian Ocean Region.
4. Crisis Response Capability
The Indian Navy has previously conducted several evacuation missions in the region, including:
- Evacuation of Indian citizens during conflicts
- Humanitarian assistance operations
Operation Sankalp ensures the Navy remains ready for rapid humanitarian or rescue operations.
Key Maritime Locations Involved
| Location | Significance |
| Gulf of Aden | High piracy risk area |
| Gulf of Oman | Strategic shipping route |
| Strait of Hormuz | One of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints |
| Persian Gulf | Major source of India’s oil imports |