Amid Hormuz crisis, is India looking for costlier energy supply alternatives?
India Today
As the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption, India is exploring costly alternative energy routes while ramping up naval deployments, raising concerns over supply security, rising costs and how long the crisis may last.
With the Hormuz facing disruption amid the ongoing Iran-Israel-US conflict, India is working on parallel tracks. Securing its vessels at sea while preparing for costly alternatives to keep energy supplies steady.
Nearly 45 per cent of India’s energy needs depend on supplies passing through the Gulf, making the situation a direct challenge to the country’s energy security.The Indian Navy has expanded its deployment across the region, positioning additional warships in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman.
According to sources, around seven ships, including support vessels, are now being deployed. This is in addition to two task forces sent earlier to escort vessels from the North Arabian Sea to Indian ports.
These deployments build on Operation Sankalp, under which naval ships have been present in the Gulf of Oman and Gulf of Aden since 2019.
The aim is clear - ensure safe passage of ships carrying LPG and fuel, while remaining prepared for any escalation near the Persian Gulf.
Three Indian LPG carriers have already been escorted safely to Indian ports. However, more than 20 Indian merchant vessels remain west of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
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