Amidst the increasing conflict in West Asia and security challenges arising in the Strait of Hormuz, the Indian Navy has started Operation Urja Suraksha. Under this mission, the Navy has deployed more than five frontline warships. To ensure safe passage and passage of India-bound cargo ships, especially tankers carrying LPG, LNG and crude oil.
The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important energy chokepoint, through which about 20 percent of global oil and gas trade passes. Due to the recent conflict, the movement of ships in the region has been affected and many India-bound ships were stuck. According to defense sources, the process of evacuating about 20-22 Indian-bound ships, which include high priority energy tankers, is currently underway.
Within a few days of the start of the operation, the Navy has achieved significant success. Recently LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant successfully transited Hormuz under naval escort. These two ships have a total of about 92,000 tonnes of LPG, which is scheduled to reach Indian ports in the next few days. Before this, other LPG carriers like Shivalik, Nanda Devi and crude oil tanker Jag Ladki were also evacuated safely.
The Navy is not only escorting but also guiding the ships step by step. After crossing Hormuz, destroyers and stealth frigates are providing additional security in the onward journey. This operation is being completed with utmost precaution.
India imports a large part of its energy needs from the Middle East. Any kind of problem in Hormuz can affect the oil and gas supply in the country, which will affect both the economy and the general public. Through this operation, immediate action by the government and the Navy will ensure energy security and there will be no shortage of essential commodities like LPG in the domestic market. This mission is a proof of India's maritime capability and diplomatic initiative. Permission for safe passage for Indian ships has also been taken from Iran.
According to Navy sources, the remaining stuck ships will also be safely evacuated in a phased manner. The success of the operation will ensure that India's energy supply remains strong, no matter how regional tensions increase. This mission is not only ensuring energy security, but also shows the growing role of the Indian Navy at the global level.
