Operation Sankalp, Background, Coordination, Significance

Operation Sankalp is an Indian Navy mission started in June 2019 to protect Indian merchant ships in the Gulf region, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. It ensures safe passage of vessels and safeguards India’s maritime interests.

Operation Sankalp Background

After the attacks on merchant ships in the region of Gulf of Oman, the Indian Navy started Maritime Security Operations, called Operation Sankalp. Its main goal was to protect Indian ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and ensure India’s trade routes safety. This operation also signifies India’s role in maintaining peace and security in international waters and safeguarding global maritime trade.

Operation Sankalp Coordination

• Operation Sankalp is carried out in close coordination with:
  • Ministry of Defence
  • Ministry of External Affairs
  • Ministry of Shipping
  • Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
  • Directorate General of Shipping

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Deployment under Operation Sankalp

• 23 warships have been deployed so far for the operation.
• On average, 16 Indian-flagged merchant vessels are escorted safely each day in the Gulf region.
• INS Talwar, a stealth frigate, is currently deployed as part of the mission.

Operation Sanakalp Significance

• India imports almost 85% of its oil, with around 62% of oil imports in 2019-20 (worth around 66 billion USD) from the Gulf.
• Due to the high-security risks in the Persian Gulf, it is crucial to protect Indian ships and ensure uninterrupted maritime trade.
• The operation displays the Indian Navy’s commitment to safeguard India’s maritime interests and maintain regional stability.

INS Talwar

• INS Talwar (F40) is the lead ship of the Talwar-class frigates of the Indian Navy. Its name means “Sword” in Hindi.
• It was built in Russia and commissioned into the Indian Navy on 18 June 2003.
• The ship is part of the Western Fleet, operating under the Western Naval Command.
• Key Capabilities:
  • Anti-air operations-Can defend against aerial threats.
  • Anti-ship and land-attack missiles-Can strike enemy ships and coastal targets.
  • Anti-submarine warfare-Equipped to detect and combat submarines.
  • INS Talwar is a modern multi-role frigate designed to protect India’s maritime interests and operate in complex naval environments.

The Persian Gulf

• The Persian Gulf, also called the Arabian Gulf, lies between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran and connects to the Indian Ocean via the Strait of Hormuz.
• It is about 990 km long and 55-340 km wide, with an average depth of 50 meters.
• The gulf holds around two-thirds of the world’s proven oil reserves and one-third of natural gas reserves.
• Major countries along its coast include Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar and Bahrain.
• It is a key route for global maritime trade, especially for oil transport.
• Important islands include Bahrain and Qeshm, the largest in the gulf.

Gulf of Oman

• The Gulf of Oman lies between eastern Oman and southern Iran and connects the Arabian Sea to the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz.
• It is about 560 km long and serves as the only maritime route from the Indian Ocean into the Persian Gulf.
• The gulf is a crucial shipping route for oil, with roughly one-third of the world’s oil passing through it.
• It borders Oman to the south, Iran and Pakistan to the north, and the UAE to the west.
• Key ports include Muscat, Sur, Sohar (Oman) and Jask, Chah Bahar (Iran).
• Important islands include Sheytan Island, Al Fahal Island, Dimaniyat Islands and Sawadi Islands.
• Its security is vital for global oil trade, as both exporters and importers depend on it.