The Indian Navy has responded to the evolving situation stemming from the Israel-Hamas conflict in the maritime domain by adjusting and significantly expanding its ongoing maritime security operations since mid-December 2023. Notably, the Navy took proactive measures during the hijacking incident involving the Malta Flagged Bulk Carrier MV Ruen on December 14, 2023.
Today, March 23, 2024, marks the completion of 100 days of continuous maritime security operations under the banner of ‘Op Sankalp’.
Throughout this period, the Indian Navy has addressed 18 incidents, playing a critical role as the ‘First Responder’ and ‘Preferred Security Partner’ in the Indian Ocean Region. This significance has been further underscored by the successful resolution of the MV Ruen hijacking.
Over the past 100 days, naval ships, aircraft, and Special Forces have demonstrated unwavering commitment to securing the seas and safeguarding the maritime community from various non-traditional threats prevalent in the region.
In response to the prevailing threat landscape, the Indian Navy is conducting maritime security operations across three main areas: the Gulf of Aden and surrounding regions, the Arabian Sea, and off the East Coast of Somalia.
The concerted efforts since December 2023 have seen the deployment of over 5000 personnel at sea, over 450 ship days (with more than 21 ships deployed), and 900 hours of flying by maritime surveillance aircraft to address maritime threats effectively.
With piracy emerging as a significant concern in the Indian Ocean Region since 2008, there has been a noticeable increase in the presence of warships from regional and extra-regional navies.
In this security environment, the Indian Navy has taken a leading role in responding to security challenges stemming from a wide range of threats in the region.
The ongoing maritime security operations have yielded substantial results, including the saving of over 110 lives (including 45 Indian seafarers), escorting 15 lakh tons of critical commodities (such as fertilizers, crude oil, and finished products), conducting nearly 1000 boarding operations, seizing more than 3000 kgs of narcotics, and ensuring the presence of Indian Navy assets for over 450 merchant vessels.
In addition to its operational efforts, the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) in Gurugram has played a pivotal role as a central hub for facilitating information exchange in the region. Furthermore, coordinated missions with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and national agencies have demonstrated the synergy and interoperability of India’s defense services, enhancing overall maritime security.
The Indian Navy’s calibrated response, ingenuity, and unwavering resolve demonstrated during the ongoing maritime security operations under ‘Op Sankalp’ have garnered international acclaim for their effectiveness in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, countering maritime threats, combating piracy resurgence, and curbing narcotics trade in the Indian Ocean Region.
This response underscores the Indian Navy’s commitment to the principle of ‘Safety of Life at Sea’, regardless of the nationality of seafarers involved.
