How Navy is escorting India-bound oil tankers as Iran chokes Strait of Hormuz
India Today
The Indian Navy has deployed task forces to escort merchant vessels and oil tankers from the North Arabian Sea to Indian ports, stepping up maritime security to safeguard energy supplies amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
As tensions in the Strait of Hormuz threaten global energy flows, the Indian Navy has deployed two task forces of warships to ensure the safe passage of merchant vessels and tankers carrying crude oil and gas to India, stepping up efforts to secure critical shipping lanes, according to top government sources.
The move comes at a time when several Indian-linked vessels remain caught in the region, raising concerns over energy supplies and maritime security.
Officials said the Navy has deployed multiple warships in and around the Strait of Hormuz and the North Arabian Sea to escort Indian-bound vessels through vulnerable stretches.
According to top Defence Ministry sources, 22 Indian ships, including six carrying LPG, remain stranded in the strait, while as many as 611 Indian vessels have been affected by the ongoing tensions.
Escort operations began last week, with naval ships accompanying cargo vessels and tankers to ensure safe transit to Indian ports.
Drawing parallels with earlier missions, sources said the deployment mirrors the scale of Operation Sankalp, when the Navy sent warships to counter piracy threats and protect commercial shipping.
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India Today's OSINT team identified at least 22 Indian-flagged vessels operating in the Gulf region, including seven LPG carriers, seven oil tankers, four container ships, two bulk carriers, one tug and one dredger.
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