The Indian Navy has initiated security escort operations for Indian-flagged commercial vessels, including Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tankers, in the Gulf of Oman. This deployment is part of 'Operation Sankalp,' launched in 2019 to ensure the safe passage of Indian merchant shipping in the region amid heightened maritime security concerns.
According to naval statements, warships including guided-missile destroyers and frigates are being deployed on a rotational basis to provide a security umbrella. The escorts are a response to the volatile security environment in the region, which has seen attacks on commercial shipping in recent years.
The Indian Navy stated that these measures are aimed at reassuring the merchant marine community and safeguarding national maritime interests. The operation underscores India's commitment to maintaining maritime security in key waterways in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf region.