{{short description|India's maritime security operation}} {{AI-generated|date=October 2025}} {{Use Indian English|date=March 2026}} {{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}
{{Infobox military operation | name = Operation Sankalp | partof = Red Sea crisis, Spillover of the Gaza war, Piracy off the coast of Somalia, 2026 Iran war | subtitle = | image = Operation Sankalp Joint Operation by IN and IAF and rescue crew of MV Ruen.jpg | image_size = 350 px | caption = On 16 March 2024, IAF C-17, in cooperation with INS Kolkata, paradropped two combat boats, armament load and MARCOS teams were inserted to rescue 17 crew members of MV Ruen held hostage by 35 pirates.' | outcome = Ongoing Crisis | scope = | type = Naval operation | location = Red Sea<br> Gulf of Aden<br> Arabian Sea<br> Strait of Hormuz<br> Indian Ocean | planned_by = {{flagu|India}} | objective = *Protection of Local Commercial Shipping *Anti-Piracy and Anti-Terrorism operations * Uninterrupted flow of energy supplies to the country * Protection of national Sea lines of communication | target = | date = 19 June 2019 – present<br /> ({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=6|day1=16|year1=2019}}) | place = | executed_by = {{Tree list}} * {{armed forces|India}} ** {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of India.svg}} Indian Navy ** {{flagicon image|Air Force Ensign of India.svg}} Indian Air Force {{Tree list/end}} }}
'''Operation Sankalp''' is the Indian Navy's initiative aimed at ensuring the security of the regional maritime domain. The term ''Sankalp'' originates from Sanskrit and signifies the concept of "''Commitment''". It aligns with the Indian Navy's objective of safeguarding India's shipping interests and trade routes.<ref name="SCstatesman">{{cite news |author1=Sayan Chatterjee |title=Indian Navy's Operation Sankalp; safeguarding India's Maritime Trade routes |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/indian-navys-operation-sankalp-safeguarding-indias-maritime-trade-routes-1502966669.html |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=The Statesman |date=8 May 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
Launched on 19 June 2019, Operation Sankalp primarily focused on guaranteeing the safe transit of Indian-flagged vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating security concerns in the area. The protection of India's commercial fleet and maritime commerce is emphasised as a significant goal within the Indian Navy's responsibilities. Due to the intricate nature of the mission and the global context in which Indian Naval vessels operate, Op Sankalp is being executed in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) through active engagement and meticulous coordination with the Indian Ministries of Defence, External Affairs, Shipping, Petroleum and Natural Gas, and the Directorate General of Shipping.<ref>{{cite news |title=Indian Navy Executes OP Sankalp |url=https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1575075 |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=pib.gov.in |agency=Press Information Bureau |publisher=Ministry of Defence (India), Government of India |date=20 June 2019 |location=Delhi}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Op SANKALP : 3RD YEAR OF INDIAN NAVY'S MARITIME SECURITY OPERATIONS |url=https://english.janamtv.com/news/43057/op-sankalp-3rd-year-of-indian-navys-maritime-security-operations/ |access-date=20 March 2024 |publisher=Janam Online |date=20 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=INS Talwar Deployed in the Gulf as Part of the Navy's Op Sankalp |url=https://forceindia.net/ins-talwar-deployed-gulf-part-navys-op-sankalp/ |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=FORCE Magazine |date=21 June 2022}}</ref>
==Background== The utilisation of a blue-water navy relies on its intrinsic characteristics such as reach, flexibility, and visibility. The actions carried out by a country's naval forces to advance its national interest reflect both the nation's interests and political objectives.<ref name="SCstatesman" /> Since 2008, piracy has become a growing concern in the Indian Ocean Region, prompting the deployment of warships from various navies - both regional as well as non-regional naval forces. The Indian Navy has stepped up as the leading force in tackling security issues, positioning itself as the ‘''First Responder''’ and ‘''Preferred Security Partner''’ in the IOR. Through impressive displays of naval strength, aircraft, and Special Forces, the Indian Navy remains steadfast in its mission to protect the seas and ensure the safety of the maritime community in the face of unconventional threats.<ref name=":2">{{Cite press release |title=Indian Navy's ongoing maritime security operations ('Op Sankalp') 14 Dec 23 to 23 Mar 24 |date=2024-03-23 |publisher=Press Information Bureau |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2016201®=3&lang=2 |access-date=2026-04-08}}</ref>
The Persian Gulf plays a significant role in India's maritime trade with West Asia. In the fiscal year 2019–2020, India imported about US$66 billion worth of oil from this region, making up 62 per cent of its total oil imports. The trade between India and West Asia during that time stood at US$108.2 billion in imports and roughly US$51 billion in exports. These numbers constitute 8.1% and 11.4% of India's total exports and imports, underscoring the importance of '''Operation Sankalp''' led by the Indian Navy.<ref name="SCstatesman" />
==Early deployments== From June 2019 to May 2021, fleet of 20 Indian warships were deployed under Operation Sankalp to safeguard the journey of over 200 Indian Flag Vessels transporting more than 21 million tonnes of cargo in the IOR.<ref name="SCstatesman" />
In November 2021, {{INS|Trikand}} was dispatched to the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman under Operation Sankalp, an initiative by the Indian Navy to uphold a prominent vessel in the area, guaranteeing the unhindered and protected transportation of goods, fostering trust within the maritime community, and actively contributing to the overall security of the regional waters. The ship stopped at Manama and during its stay at the port, the personnel engaged with Bahrain's counterparts to enhance maritime security. ''Trikand'', a cutting-edge frigate equipped with guided missiles and stealth technology, serves as a vital component of the Western Fleet. It operates under the command of the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, which is headquartered in Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news |title=OP SANKALP - MISSION-BASED DEPLOYMENT TO PERSIAN GULF BY INS TRIKAND |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1772995 |access-date=1 April 2024 |work=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
India enacted its anti-piracy legislation as the '''Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022''', on 20 December 2022 criminalising maritime piracy and empowering the Indian Navy and other government agencies with the authority to respond to threats at sea.<ref>{{cite news |title=9 pirates being brought to India to face legal action, says Navy a day after rescuing 23 Pakistani crew from Iranian fishing vessel |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/9-pirates-being-brought-to-india-to-face-legal-action-navy-day-after-rescuing-23-pakistani-crew-from-iranian-fishing-vessel/articleshow/108902077.cms |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=The Economic Times}}</ref> In 2024, the then Chief of Naval Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar referred to the new law as a "great enabler" in the navy's anti-piracy success.<ref>{{cite news |title=Anti-piracy Act has been a great enabler: Navy chief |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/anti-piracy-act-has-been-a-great-enabler-navy-chief/article67987273.ece |access-date=9 May 2024 |work=The Hindu}}</ref>
In regular circumstances, this deployment would have been considered as a standard procedure. Nevertheless, during the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the Indian Navy's capability to deploy its warships demonstrated their exceptional operational readiness and availability. This also highlighted the stringent protocols and mechanisms implemented by the Indian Navy to minimise the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on their personnel, thereby ensuring uninterrupted deployments and operations. Consequently, in addition to their continuous anti-piracy patrols and Op-Sankalp, the Indian Navy effectively executed numerous deployments and operations.<ref name="SCstatesman" />
== 2023–24 == {{See also|Red Sea crisis}} On 14 December 2023, Operation Sankalp was re-initiated to ensure the security of the regional maritime domain due to the Red Sea crisis and sudden increase in marine pirate activities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy's Ongoing Maritime Security Operations ('OP SANKALP') 14 Dec 23 to 23 Mar 24 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2016201 |access-date=17 May 2024 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> The Indian Navy on 31 December 2023 said it had deployed P-8I Neptune and the SeaGuardian drones,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=31 December 2023 |title=Attacks on ships: Indian Navy enhances surveillance in Arabian Sea |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/attacks-on-ships-indian-navy-enhances-surveillance-in-arabian-sea/article67693168.ece |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> following the distressed faced by two merchant vessels, MV ''Ruen'' and MV ''Chem Pluto'' which were targeted in the sea. MV ''Ruen'' was hijacked (later rescued by INS ''Kolkata'') while MV ''Chem Pluto'' sustained drone hits eventually and making way to port. The Indian Navy deployed a large flotilla of destroyers to safeguard international security. The deployment into the Arabian Sea included missile destroyers, including INS ''Kolkata'', INS ''Kochi'', INS ''Mormugao'', INS ''Chennai'' and INS ''Visakhapatnam'',<ref name="newindianexpress.com">{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy deploys warships and surveillance aircraft to enhance maritime security - The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2023/Dec/31/indian-navy-deploys-warships-and-surveillance-aircraft-to-enhance-maritime-security-2646544.html |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=www.newindianexpress.com|date=6 December 2023 }}</ref> almost its entire modern destroyer fleet of its Western Fleet. INS ''Kolkata'' was deployed at the mouth of the Red Sea, INS ''Kochi'' on the south of Yemen's Socotra Island, INS ''Mormugao'' in the west Arabian Sea with INS ''Chennai'' in the central Arabian Sea. INS ''Visakhapatnam'' was also moved in a week later and was tasked to patrol the north Arabian Sea.<ref name="newindianexpress.com" />
From December 2023 to March 2024, around 5,000 troops have been deployed at sea with over 450 ship days have been completed (using over 21 ships), and maritime surveillance aircraft have flown 900 hours under Operation Sankalp.<ref name=":2" />
In 2024, as per a report, the Indian Navy deployed over 30 ships as Houthi militants targeted multiple cargo vessels in and around the Red Sea with drone and missile attacks. "The Navy responded to over 25 such incidents and safely escorted over 230 merchant vessels carrying around 90 lakh metric tonnes of cargo valued at over USD 4 billion", according to official data.<ref name=":4">{{Cite news |date=26 December 2024 |title=YEAR END REVIEW 2024 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2088180 |access-date=27 December 2024 |work=Press Information Bureau}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=31 December 2024 |title=2024: Indian military maintained assertive approach along LAC; focused on boosting operational might |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/2024-indian-military-maintained-assertive-approach-along-lac-focused-on-boosting-operational-might/articleshow/116821290.cms |access-date=3 January 2025 |work=The Economic Times |issn=0013-0389}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" ! rowspan="2" |Date !Ship attacked !Rescued by !Cause |- ! colspan="3" |Details |- | rowspan="2" |15-19 December 2023 |MV ''Ruen'' {{Flag icon|Malta}} |INS ''Kolkata'', INS ''Subhadra'' |Piracy |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |MV ''Reun'' was attacked and hijacked by Somali pirates in their first attempt since 2017. Indian Navy quickly responded to the situation. Following Indian Navy P-8I Neptune MPA locating those ships, ''Kochi'' as well as the Spanish ship ''Victoria'' and the JS ''Akenebono'' immediately sailed behind them and are proceeding to Mogadishu harbour in Somalia, the estimated location of the pirates are taking the Reun. INS ''Kochi'', on its part, was shadowing MV Ruen in a ''“wait-and-watch”'' mode since a direct intervention could have led to casualties among the crew being held hostage by the pirates.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2023 |title=Hijacked tanker proceeds to Mogadishu, INS Kochi monitors the Malta vessel |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hijacked-tanker-proceeds-to-mogadishu-ins-kochi-monitors-the-malta-vessel-101702785775272.html |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy intercepts ship hijacked by pirates in the Arabian Sea after SOS message - The New Indian Express |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/2023/Dec/17/navy-intercepts-ship-hijacked-by-pirates-in-the-arabian-sea-after-sos-message-2642219.html |access-date=17 December 2023 |website=www.newindianexpress.com|date=7 December 2023 }}</ref> On 19 December, the hijackers freed a Bulgarian hostage so that he could receive medical assistance after being injured by gunshot. The sailor was treated on board and is now being taken to a shore-based medical facility in Oman for further evaluation. The destroyer kept trailing MV Reun and further action shall be decided by the owners of the shipping company.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2023 |title=Injured sailor from hijacked ship moved to Indian stealth warship for treatment |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/injured-sailor-from-hijacked-ship-moved-to-indian-stealth-warship-for-treatment-101702969485776.html |access-date=19 December 2023 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=19 December 2023 |title=Indian Navy evacuates injured sailor from hijacked ship |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-evacuates-injured-sailor-from-hijacked-ship/articleshow/106131010.cms?from=mdr |access-date=19 December 2023 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
MV Ruen was intercepted again by INS Kolkata on 16 March 2024 and the pirates were captured. |- | rowspan="2" |18 January 2024 |MV ''Genco Picardy {{Flag icon|Marshall Islands}}'' |INS ''Visakhapatnam'' |Drone attack |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |''Visakhapatnam'' responded to a distress call from the Marshall Island-flagged MV ''Genco Picardy'' following a drone attack by unknown attackers at 11:11 pm IST on the night of 17 January. The Indian naval ship acknowledged the distress call and intercepted the vessel at 12:30 am IST the next day and provided support. ''Genco Picardy'' had 22 crew, including 9 Indian sailors. Following an EOD inspection by the ship's specialists, the ship was cleared to continue its journey without any casualties incurred aboard.<ref>{{Cite web |title=INS Visakhapatnam Rescues Marshall Island Ship With 9 Indians After Drone Attack In Gulf Of Aden |url=https://zeenews.india.com/world/ins-visakhapatnam-rescues-marshall-island-ship-with-9-indians-from-drone-attack-in-gulf-of-aden-2710907.html/amp |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=zeenews.india.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Naval warship INS Visakhapatnam helps ship under drone attack in Gulf of Aden |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-warship-ins-visakhapatnam-helps-ship-under-drone-attack-in-gulf-of-aden-2490298-2024-01-18 |access-date=19 January 2024 |website=India Today |date=18 January 2024 |language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |26 January 2024 |MV ''Marlin Luanda'' {{Flag icon|Marshall Islands}} |INS ''Visakhapatnam'', USS ''Carney'', French frigate ''Alsace'' |Missile strike |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |Following a distress call from the British owned, Marshall Islands flagged oil tanker ''MV Marlin Luanda'' on the night of 26 January 2024, ''Visakhapatnam'' responded to aid the ship in its fire fighting efforts by deploying its NBCD team (Nuclear-Biological-Chemical Defence and Damage control) along with firefighting equipment on board. The ship was reportedly attacked by the Houthis at approximately 7:45 pm and it had 22 Indians and one Bangladeshi crew member aboard. {{USS|Carney|DDG 64}} (also targeted by a Houthi missile, but shot down), the French frigate Alsace and other Operation Prosperity Guardian coalition ships also responded and rendered assistance. No injuries were reported as the fire had broken out in the cargo compartment. The vessel sailed to a safe harbour under its own power.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 January 2024 |title=Houthi attack: Indian Navy deploys fire-fighting team on board British oil tanker with 22 Indian crew members |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/houthi-attack-ins-visakhapatnam-deploys-fire-fighting-team-on-board-british-oil-tanker-12134171.html |access-date=27 January 2024 |website=Moneycontrol}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 January 2024 |title=Indian Navy responds to SOS call from merchant ship in Gulf of Aden after being hit by Houthi anti-ship missile |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-responds-to-sos-call-from-merchant-ship-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/107186548.cms?from=mdr |access-date=27 January 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |29 January 2024 |FV ''Iman {{Flag icon|Iran}}'' |INS ''Sumitra'' |Piracy |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |INS ''Sumitra'' ''successfully'' rescued fishermen hijacked by pirates along the East coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. The naval warship was responding to a distress message regarding hijacking of an Iranian-flagged Fishing Vessel (FV) ''Iman''. The pirates boarded the fishing boat and its 17-member crew was taken hostage. Acting in accordance with the Standard Operation Procedures the crew successfully coerced the pirates and released the crew along with the boat. The FV was then sanitised and continued for their destination.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 January 2024 |title=Indian Navy rescues Iranian vessel hijacked by pirates |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/navy-deploys-ins-sumitra-to-rescue-iranian-vessel-hijacked-by-pirates-report-101706518224414.html |access-date=29 January 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=29 January 2024 |title=In swift response, Indian Navy saves another hijacked vessel off Somalia |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/red-sea-indian-navy-gulf-of-aden-somalia-piracy-ins-sumitra/articleshow/107228412.cms |access-date=29 January 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |29-30 January 2024 |''FV Al Naeemi {{Flag icon|Iran}}'' |INS ''Sumitra'', MARCOS |Piracy |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |INS ''Sumitra'' rescued 19 Pakistani sailors after pirates hijacked their fishing vessel off the east coast of Somalia the previous day. Eleven armed pirates climbed onto another Iranian-flagged fishing vessel ''FV Al Naeemi'' and took 19 crew members, all Pakistanis, as hostage. The Navy warship intercepted the fishing vessel and coerced the pirates to release the hostages. The Navy warship intercepted the fishing vessel and forced the pirates to release the hostages with the help of MARCOS on 29 January. Warning shots were then fired in the water to pressurise the Somali pirates who had taken control of the vessel the Indian Navy deployed its HAL Dhruv as a part of psychological warfare. The pirates dumped their weapons when INS ''Sumitra'' approached them. Armed with Tavor TAR-21 and other combat gear, the MARCOS brought the pirates and were disarmed. No injuries were reported in the swift operation in which the Navy captured AK-47s and several mobile and satellite phones from the pirates' possession.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Warning Shots, Aerial Dominance: How Navy Rescued Vessels From Pirates |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/warning-shots-aerial-dominance-how-navy-rescued-vessels-from-pirates-4968445 |access-date=1 February 2024 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> The incident took place in southern Arabian Sea approximately 850 nm west of Kochi.<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2024 |title=Indian Navy foils second hijacking bid in Arabian Sea in 24 hours |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-navy-foils-2nd-hijacking-bid-in-36hrs-off-somalia-coast-rescues-iranian-boat-101706592501634.html |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 January 2024 |title=India news updates LIVE: Indian naval ship rescues 19 Pakistani nationals from Somali Pirates |url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/world/latest-daily-news-live-india-world-bharat-jodo-nyay-yatra-bjp-workers-bengal-clash-hemant-soren-ed-visit-delhi-weather-cold-wave-aqi-breaking-news-and-updates-liveblog-12148121.html |access-date=30 January 2024 |website=Moneycontrol}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |22 February 2024 |MV Islander ''{{Flag icon|Palau}}'' |INS ''Kolkata'' |Missile attack |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |On 22 February 2024, Palau-flagged MV Islander came under Houthi attack of two anti-ship ballistic missiles. INS Kolkata, nearest to the ship rushed to assistance and An explosive disposal and medical team was sent to the vessel for assisteance. The ship could continue its journey forward.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 February 2024 |title=Indian warship comes to rescue of merchant vessel under attack in Gulf of Aden |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-warship-rescues-merchant-vessel-under-attack-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/107964840.cms |access-date=16 August 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Philip |first=Snehesh Alex |date=15 August 2024 |title=Daring flood rescue to leading a crashing Jaguar jet away from town, tales of India's bravehearts |url=https://theprint.in/defence/daring-flood-rescue-to-leading-a-crashing-jaguar-jet-away-from-town-tales-of-indias-bravehearts/2224782/ |access-date=16 August 2024 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=14 August 2024 |title=Capt Sharad Sinsunwal – Shaurya Chakra - Citation |url=https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/aug/doc2024814376701.pdf |access-date=16 August 2024 |website=static.pib.gov.on}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |4 March 2024 |MSC ''Sky II {{Flag icon|Liberia}}'' |INS ''Kolkata'' |Drone attack |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |INS ''Kolkata'', deployed to the Gulf of Aden, responded to a request from MSC ''Sky II'', a Liberian flagged container vessel. The ship had reportedly been attacked by a drone or missile 90 nm southeast of Aden. The ship's master reported smoke and flames onboard following the attack. INS ''Kolkata'' was quickly redirected to provide the required support and reached the incident site. The ''Kolkata'' then escorted the ship from the area of the incident into the territorial seas of Djibouti. On 5 March, a specialised firefighting team from ''Kolkata'' boarded the ''Sky II'' and extinguished the remaining fires and an explosive ordnance disposal team boarded the ''Sky II'' to evaluate residual risk. The crew were safe and the ship then continued sailing towards its next destination.<ref>{{Cite web |title=INDIAN NAVY PROVIDED ASSISTANCE TO LIBERIAN-FLAGGED CONTAINER VESSEL, MSC SKY II |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2011785 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307110502/https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2011785 |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=VIDEO: Indian Navy's Heroic Rescue Of Ship After Houthi Rebels Attacked It In Red Sea |url=https://www.thedailyjagran.com/india/video-indian-navy-heroic-rescue-of-ship-msc-sky-ii-after-houthi-rebels-attacked-it-in-red-sea-watch-10138162 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305154237/https://english.jagran.com/india/video-indian-navy-heroic-rescue-of-ship-msc-sky-ii-after-houthi-rebels-attacked-it-in-red-sea-watch-10138162 |archive-date=5 March 2024 |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=English Jagran |date=5 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Navy rescues ship under drone attack in Gulf of Aden, 13 Indians were onboard |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-rescues-liberian-flagged-merchant-ship-gulf-of-aden-drone-attack-indians-2511003-2024-03-05 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305143253/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/indian-navy-rescues-liberian-flagged-merchant-ship-gulf-of-aden-drone-attack-indians-2511003-2024-03-05 |archive-date=5 March 2024 |access-date=6 March 2024 |website=India Today |date=5 March 2024 |language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |4 January 2024 |MV ''Lila Norfolk'' ''{{Flag icon|Liberia}}'' |INS ''Chennai'', MARCOS |Piracy |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |MV Lila Norfolk sailing from Port Du Aco in Brazil to Khalifa Bin Salman in Bahrain was hijacked by pirates 460 nautical miles east off Somalia. It had sent a message indicating boarding by around five to six unknown armed personnel. Of the 21 crew members, 15 were Indian and the other 6 hailed from the Philippines.<ref>{{Cite news |date=5 January 2024 |title=Indian Navy thwarts hijack attempt, rescues 21 crew members, including 15 Indians |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-thwarts-hijack-attempt-rescues-21-crew-members-including-15-indians/articleshow/106582431.cms?from=mdr |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> INS Chennai was deployed to render assistance while a maritime patrol aircraft overflew the vessel the next morning and established contact with the vessel.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=INS Chennai moving towards hijacked vessel off Somalia coast; 15 Indians aboard |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/liberianflagged-ship-hijacked-off-somalia-coast-15-indian-crew-members-aboard-101704431475777.html |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 January 2024 |title=Navy sends INS Chennai to assist vessel hijacked in Arabian Sea, 15 Indians aboard |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/navy-ins-chennai-vessel-hijacked-arabian-sea-15-indians-9096189/ |access-date=5 January 2024 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=5 January 2024 |title=Indian Navy responds to hijack attempt of a Liberian-flagged vessel in Arabian Sea, deploys INS Chennai |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-navy-responds-to-hijack-attempt-of-a-liberian-flagged-vessel-in-arabian-sea-deploys-ins-chennai/article67708913.ece |access-date=5 January 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> On 5 January 2024, after providing warnings, the MARCOS commandos from the INS Chennai boarded the ship to rescue all crew members. The pirates had abandoned ship prior to the boarding.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/indian-navy-commandos-board-hijacked-ship-clear-it-of-hijackers/20240105.htm | title=Indian Navy commandos board hijacked ship, rescue all 21 on board }}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |6 March 2024 |MV ''True Confidence {{Flag icon|Barbados}}'' |INS ''Kolkata'' |Drone/missile attack |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |INS ''Kolkata'' responded to another crisis in the Gulf of Aden. About 55 nautical miles southwest of Aden, a drone or missile struck the Barbados-flagged bulk carrier MV ''True Confidence''. When INS ''Kolkata'' arrived on the site, it used its onboard aircraft and boats and rescued 21 crew members, including an Indian national, via life rafts. The injured crew members received vital medical attention from the ship's medical experts.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=7 March 2024 |title=Indian Navy comes to the rescue of missile-hit ship in Gulf of Aden |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-comes-to-rescue-of-missile-hit-ship-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/108287063.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307055107/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-comes-to-rescue-of-missile-hit-ship-in-gulf-of-aden/articleshow/108287063.cms |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=7 March 2024 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |title=Watch: Indian Navy Warship Rescues 21 From Ship Hit By Houthi Missile |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-indian-navy-warship-ins-kolkata-rescues-21-from-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-5192833 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307110409/https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/watch-indian-navy-warship-ins-kolkata-rescues-21-from-ship-hit-by-houthi-missile-5192833 |archive-date=7 March 2024 |access-date=7 March 2024 |website=NDTV.com}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |16 March 2024 |''ex-''MV ''Ruen'' ''{{Flag icon|Malta}}'' |INS ''Kolkata'', INS ''Subhadra'' (P51), MARCOS |Piracy |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |Indian Navy's Marine Commandos (MARCOS) were deployed via IAF's C-17 aircraft in a rescue operation involving the bulk carrier MV Ruen, which had been seized by Somalian pirates. The cargo vessel was taken near the Yemeni island of Socotra in December 2023 and was located approximately 2,600 km away from the Indian Coast. This successful counter-piracy operation received assistance from the Indian warship INS ''Subhadra'', INS ''Kolkata'', MQ-9B SeaGuardian drones and a P8I maritime patrol aircraft. The “high tempo” mission aboard merchant vessel lasting for about 40 hours concluded by safely evacuating 17 crew members and compelling 35 pirates to surrender.<ref>{{cite news |date=17 March 2024 |title=Indian Navy and Air Force Conduct Complex Anti-Piracy Operation |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/03/indian-navy-and-air-force-conduct-complex-anti-piracy-operation/ |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=Naval News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=17 March 2024 |title=IAF Shares Visuals of C-17 Precision Airdrop from Joint Op with Navy, Leading to Surrender of 35 Somali Pirates |url=https://www.news18.com/india/iaf-shares-visuals-of-c-17-precision-airdrop-from-joint-op-with-navy-leading-to-surrender-of-35-somali-pirates-8818990.html |access-date=20 March 2024 |work=News18 |language=en}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |26 April 2024 |MV ''Andromeda Star'' ''{{Flag icon|Panama}}'' |INS ''Kochi'' |Missile attack |- style="border-bottom: double 5px grey" | colspan="3" |INS Kochi rescued 30 persons from a Panama-flagged and Seychelles-operated oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star, which was attacked by Houthi missiles earlier. An official reconnaissance was conducted by a helicopter after which the explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) reached the vessel to "residual risk assessment". Out of 30 crew members, 22 were Indian nationals. Later the ship continued towards her next destination. According to the US Central Command, three anti ship ballistic missiles were launched by Houthis to attack MV ''Maisha'' and MV ''Andromeda Star''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 April 2024 |title=Indian warship INS Kochi renders help to vessel attacked in Red Sea |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indian-warship-ins-kochi-renders-help-to-vessel-attacked-in-red-sea-101714314260231.html |access-date=29 April 2024 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=28 April 2024 |title=Indian Navy comes to tanker's aid after Houthi missile attack |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-navy-comes-to-tankers-aid-after-houthi-missile-attack/article68118224.ece |access-date=29 April 2024 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> |}
== 2025 == With tensions arising in the middle east following a United States buildup of ships between December 2025 and March 2026, multiple Indian naval assets were deployed across the Persian Gulf, the Red Sea , Southeast Asia and the central Indian Ocean,aimed at boosting naval diplomacy efforts.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-04-05 |title=‘Presence across critical...’: Defence analyst hails Indian Navy as it shields energy tankers - BusinessToday |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/india/story/presence-across-critical-defence-analyst-hails-indian-navy-as-it-shields-energy-tankers-524093-2026-04-05 |access-date=2026-04-11 |website=Business Today |language=en}}</ref>
== 2026 == {{Main|Operation Urja Suraksha}}
{{See also|2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis}} While the Iran conflict begun, an Indian Navy destroyer and a frigate was kept deployed in the Gulf of Oman and the Gulf of Aden under Operation Sankalp. As on 2 March, India was "closely monitoring" the situation while the warships could be immediately diverted for HADR operations, as per a senior defence official.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news |last=Trivedi |first=Saurabh |date=2 March 2026 |title=Indian warships in the Gulf on standby for humanitarian operations |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/indian-warships-in-the-gulf-on-standby-for-humanitarian-operations/article70696250.ece |access-date=3 March 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>On 10 March, ''The New York Times'' reported that the Indian government was evaluating options to escort the Indian-flagged vessels that were stuck near the crisis-hit Strait of Hormuz. As of then, there were 36–38 such vessels with 1,100 sailors, all of which were safe with the crew members having sufficient provisions. The ships are complying to "enhanced safety protocols" including reporting to authorities at a higher frequency. Indian ship owners had requested to government for naval escorts. .<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-03-11 |title=India considering naval escort for ships in Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war: Report |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/india-considering-naval-escort-for-ships-in-strait-of-hormuz-amid-iran-war-report/articleshow/129405940.cms |access-date=2026-03-11 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Haq |first=Zia |date=2026-03-10 |title=India weighs options to escort stuck ships out of choked Strait of Hormuz |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/india-weighs-options-to-escort-stuck-ships-out-of-choked-strait-of-hormuz-us-iran-war-oil-middle-east-101773106433525.html |access-date=2026-03-11 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Indian Navy warships deployed near Persian Gulf, on standby to assist merchant vessels: Report |url=https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-navy-warships-deployed-near-persian-gulf-on-standby-to-assist-merchant-vessels-report-1773521887461 |access-date=2026-03-15 |website=Wion |language=en}}</ref>
Unlike the passive monitoring protocols seen in previous years, the Navy implemented close-protection escorts for India-flagged Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and crude oil tankers. Through back-channel negotiations led by the National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, India may have secured an informal guarantee from Tehran for the safe passage of Indian vessels, provided they are escorted by Indian naval assets and do not carry coalition materiel.<ref name=":9" />{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}} On 25 March, '''Operation ''Urja Suraksha''''' was reported to have been initiated to secure oil supplies from the Middle East to India.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |last=Network |first=MI News |date=2026-03-25 |title=Indian Navy Launches ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ To Secure India-Bound Ships Passing Through Strait of Hormuz |url=https://www.marineinsight.com/indian-navy-launches-operation-urja-suraksha-to-secure-india-bound-ships-passing-through-strait-of-hormuz/ |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=Marine Insight |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite news |date=2026-03-26 |title=Op Urja Suraksha: Navy deploys 5 warships to guide cargo vessels exiting troubled Strait of Hormuz |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/op-urja-suraksha-navy-deploys-5-warships-to-guide-cargo-vessels-exiting-troubled-strait-of-hormuz/articleshow/129813914.cms |access-date=2026-03-26 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Operation Urja Suraksha: How India is securing oil flows through Strait of Hormuz {{!}} Mathrubhumi English |url=https://english.mathrubhumi.com/amp/news/india/operation-urja-suraksha-indian-navy-strait-of-hormuz-jlttryiw |access-date=2026-03-26 |website=english.mathrubhumi.com}}</ref> The Navy provides critical precise instructions to each ship through the Iran-controlled route, closer to the Iran coast than the official shipping lanes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Indian Navy is Quietly Guiding the Country’s Ships Through Strait of Hormuz |url=https://maritime-executive.com/article/indian-navy-is-quietly-guiding-the-country-s-ships-through-strait-of-hormuz |website=The Maritime Executive |language=en |date=26 March 2026}}</ref>
India was also among the five nations, including China, Russia, Iraq and Pakistan whose ships were allowed to transit the Strait of Hormuz. This was announced by the Foreign Minister of Iran, Abbas Araghchi on 26 March.<ref>{{Cite news |last=PTI |date=2026-03-26 |title=India among five nations granted passage through Strait of Hormuz by Iran |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-among-five-nations-granted-passage-through-strait-of-hormuz-by-tehran/article70786984.ece |access-date=2026-03-26 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>
On 27 May, {{Indian Navy ship|Kolkata}} was deployed for patrols in the Gulf of Aden. The ship immediately launched an operation after suspicious movements around a merchant vessel using its integral helicopter prevented possible piracy incident when MV ''Mashallah 1'' was targeted.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-05-27 |title=Indian Navy foils possible piracy attack near merchant vessel in Western Indian Ocean |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/indian-navy-foils-possible-piracy-attack-near-merchant-vessel-in-western-indian-ocean/articleshow/131341121.cms |access-date=2026-05-27 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
==Achievement== Due to the impact made in addressing maritime challenges, preventing the resurgence of piracy, and significantly decreasing drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean Region, as well as in protecting India's maritime concerns, the Indian Navy's strategic response, creativity, and unwavering determination during the continuous maritime security operations under 'Op Sankalp' have garnered international recognition.<ref name=":2" />
By the end of 2023, a total of 41 warships have been deployed by the Indian Navy to provide escort services for around 624 Lakh Tons of cargo carried by 503 Indian Flagged Merchant Vessels.<ref>{{cite news |title=MINISTRY OF DEFENCE - YEAR END REVIEW 2023 |url=https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1989502 |access-date=1 April 2024 |work=pib.gov.in}}</ref>
As of March 2024, the Indian Navy has demonstrated its dedication to guaranteeing the maritime safety and security by escorting about {{Val|15000000|ul=Tg|fmt=commas}} of vital commodities under transit in the region and has given over 450 merchant vessels confidence from being present in the IOR. It has a remarkable record of saving over 110 lives which includes 45 Indian seafarers. The Indian Navy has apprehended contraband and approximately {{convert|3000|kg|lbs}} of narcotic drugs.<ref name=":2" />
Around 23 warships has been deployed in the Gulf of Oman and Persian Gulf region as of March 2026.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=2026-03-15 |title=Navy warships keep watch on India-bound vessels in Hormuz |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/navy-warships-keep-watch-on-india-bound-vessels-in-hormuz/articleshow/129583293.cms |access-date=2026-03-15 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>
== See also ==
* Operation Prosperity Guardian * Operation Aspides * Operation Atalanta * 2024 missile strikes in Yemen
== Notes == {{notelist}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
Category:2019 establishments in India Category:Military units and formations established in 2019 Category:Naval units and formations of India