India’s Big Move Amid LPG Crisis: Indian Navy Deployed In Persian Gulf To Protect Gas Tankers

New Delhi: Tensions are rising in West Asia, and instability around the Strait of Hormuz poses a major threat to global energy supplies. In such a situation, India has increased vigilance in the sea to secure its energy needs. The Indian Navy has deployed several warships around the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to provide security and assistance to merchant ships coming to India.

This deployment has come at a time when there are reports of attacks on ships and blockage of sea routes in the area. India imports a large amount of its LPG from Gulf countries, hence the security of these routes is very important for india.

Why did India deploy Navy warships?

According to sources, Indian Navy ships have been sent so that if any merchant ship gets into trouble on the way, immediate help can be provided. Especially the focus is on LPG and oil tankers coming to India. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's busiest and most strategic route – a large portion of global oil and gas passes through it. Instability in the region has a direct impact on the energy market.

How did two Indian LPG tankers get safe passage?

On Saturday, Iranian authorities allowed two Indian-flagged LPG tankers – Shivalik and Nanda Devi – to pass through Hormuz. Both the ships had left for India from Ras Laffan Port in Qatar carrying LPG. Sources are saying that despite the current tension, getting safe transit for these ships is a big development. This is believed to be the result of diplomatic talks – several rounds of phone talks were held between India and Iran, and passage was obtained under special exception.

Where has Shivalik tanker reached now?

Shipping Corporation of India's tanker Shivalik crossed Hormuz on Friday night and is now in the Gulf of Oman. According to ship tracking websites, it may reach some port in India – probably Mundra or Kandla – by March 21.

It has more than 40 thousand metric tons of LPG load, which is very important for India's LPG supply. The second tanker Nanda Devi has also passed through the same route or will reach it soon. Together, both are bringing about 92,700 tonnes of LPG.

Did the Indian Navy escort these tankers?

According to sources, Indian Navy warships escorted these tankers on the way so that the journey could be safe. This step was taken at a time when sea routes are under threat. Iran gave special exception, but everything remained smooth due to the presence of Navy.

What is the Indian Navy doing under Operation Sankalp?

All these actions are taking place within Operation Sankalp. This mission, started in 2019, is to maintain maritime security in the area and to provide immediate assistance to merchant vessels when needed.
Currently, Navy warships are on high alert and ready for action in any emergency. In some reports, there is talk of three warships arriving in the Gulf of Oman so that both monitoring and escort can continue.

Could India's energy supply be affected?

Increasing tension in the Gulf is putting pressure on the global energy market. India brings a major part of LPG and crude oil from this region; hence, the situation is being closely monitored. The government is talking at the diplomatic level so that the remaining stranded ships also get safe passage. The supply has not been disturbed yet, but we will have to be cautious to meet the requirement of cooking gas in the coming days.