Kamal Ghorui
Indian Navy warships deployed in the Gulf region as part of the continuing Operation Sankalp are keeping a constant vigil on India-bound cargo vessels in the Strait of Hormuz area.“A warship deployed in that region (off the Oman coast) is still monitoring the situation and keeping a close watch on India-bound cargo ships,” a source confirmed to TOI.Under the watchful eyes of the Indian Navy, two Indian-flagged LPG tankers belonging to Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz and are now bound for India. Another Indian-flagged oil tanker, Jag Prakash, which is carrying gasoline from Oman to Africa, has also set sail from east of the Strait of Hormuz.As per an agency report that quoted govt sources, Shivalik is being escorted by the Indian Navy.On June 19, 2019, the Indian Navy had commenced maritime security operations, called ‘Operation Sankalp’, in the Gulf region to ensure safe passage of Indian flag vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. This was done in close coordination with all stakeholders, including ministries of defence, external affairs, shipping, petroleum and natural gas, and DG Shipping. The Navy had then deployed a total of 23 warships in rotation to the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. Some of these warships are still deployed in the Gulf region.The naval deployment is significant amid increased regional tensions across the wider Gulf region, with as many as 23,000 Indian seafarers employed on different types of vessels, including merchant ships, and offshore installations, and 24 vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.Iranian ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali indicated on Friday that India could soon get safe passage (for its vessels) through the Strait of Hormuz.Meanwhile, the Indian Naval Sail Training Ship INS Sudarshini has arrived at the historic port of Valletta, Malta, marking a significant milestone in her landmark transoceanic expedition Lokayan-26, according to a defence ministry statement. The ship arrived in Valletta on Mar 12, underscoring the deep-rooted maritime ties between India and Malta. This visit represents an important leg of the ship’s ambitious 22,000-nautical-mile global voyage. The arrival follows its successful transit through the Suez Canal and a recent port call at Alexandria. INS Sudarshini is currently in the second month of her voyage, which commenced at Kochi on Jan 20.
