India to maintain naval presence in the Persian Gulf
Operation Sankalp to continue as Indian cites security concerns.
Delhi has announced that it will continue to maintain a naval presence in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman with the aim of protecting Indian-flagged merchant vessels and tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
India despatched the destroyer INS Chennai and patrol boat INS Sunaya as part of Operation Sankalp, which started in 2019. Now it says it will continue escort operations as part of its “mission-based deployments” to the area. More than 23 Indian warships have deployed to the region on rotation since 2019.
“The Strait of Hormuz is a major chokepoint. Disruption in trade in this region can have a major impact on our economy. Under ‘Operation Sankalp’, we will continue to deploy a frontline warship, either a destroyer or a frigate with a helicopter and a marine commando team,” a senior Navy officer said.
