Indian Navy has deployed two of its vessels in the Gulf of Oman as part of the Operation Sankalp, following the recent maritime security incidents in the region.
With this move, the country aims to provide support for Indian-flagged vessels operating and transiting through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The navy has sent its Kolkata-class stealth guided missile destroyer INS Chennai and Saryu-class patrol vessel INS Sunayna to undertake maritime security operations. In addition, aerial surveillance by IN aircraft is also being undertaken in the area.
The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region, which was launched by the IN in December 2018 at Gurugram, is also keeping a close watch on the movement of ships in the Gulf region.
After a review of the situation, Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), the government’s statutory maritime authority, has issued two advisories to all vessels flying the Indian flag and operating in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian/Arabian Gulf region advising vessels to undertake appropriate protection measures.
“Indian Navy remains committed to ensuring safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region,” the navy said in a statement.