Indian
Navy has responded to the manifestation of Israel–Hamas conflict in the
maritime domain by re-orienting and significantly enhancing the scope of its
ongoing maritime security operations since mid-Dec 23. The navy undertook
proactive actions during the hijacking of Malta Flagged Bulk Carrier MV Ruen on
14 December 2023. Today, 23 March 2024,
marks the completion of 100 days of the ongoing maritime security operations
under the aegis of 'Op Sankalp'. During this time, the Indian Navy has
responded to 18 incidents and has played a pivotal role as the 'First
Responder' and 'Preferred Security Partner' in the Indian Ocean Region. The
significance of IN's contributions has been further underscored with the
culmination of actions against the hijacking of MV Ruen.
Since
the last 100 days, the naval ships, aircraft and Special Forces have
demonstrated an unflinching resolve to 'secure the seas' and protect the
maritime community from various non-traditional threats present in the region.
Based on the threat assessment in the region, the Indian Navy is conducting
maritime security operations in three areas of operations viz Gulf of Aden and
adjoining areas, Arabian Sea and off the East Coast of Somalia. The arduous
efforts of IN since December 2023 involved deployment of over 5000 personnel at
sea, over 450 ship days (with over 21 ships deployed) and 900 hours of flying
by the maritime surveillance aircraft to address threats in the maritime
domain.
With
the emergence of piracy in 2008, the Indian Ocean Region has witnessed steady
increase in the presence of warships from regional and extra regional navies,
operating independently or under the ambit of various multi-national
constructs. In the present security scenario, the Indian Navy has taken the
'lead' in responding to security situations arising out of a myriad of threats
in the region. With over 110 lives saved (including 45 Indian seafarers), 15
lakh tons of critical commodities escorted (such as fertilisers, crude oil and
finished products), nearly 1000 boarding operations undertaken, more than 3000
kgs of narcotics seized and over 450 MVs assured of IN's presence, the ongoing
maritime security operations have truly reflected Indian Navy's capability in
playing a vital role as a strong and a responsible Navy in the IOR.
In
the ongoing endeavour since Dec 2023, Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean
Region (IFC-IOR) of the Indian Navy at Gurugram, has played a transformative
role as a principal hub for enabling information exchange in IOR. In addition,
coordinated missions with IAF and national agencies during this period has also
highlighted the synergy and interoperability of the Services.
Text and images: Indian Navy