Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Indian Navy has deployed more than five frontline warships under Operation Urja Suraksha to ensure the safe passage of India-bound cargo vessels exiting the Strait of Hormuz, defence sources confirmed.
The operation is aimed at securing critical maritime routes and safeguarding ships carrying essential supplies—including LPG, LNG, and crude oil—to India. At present, around 20 India-bound vessels remain stranded near the strategic chokepoint due to the ongoing conflict.
“Once an India-bound cargo vessel clears the Strait, Indian Navy warships stationed in the Gulf of Oman escort and guide it safely towards the Arabian Sea,” a source in the Directorate General of Shipping said.
The Navy is maintaining constant coordination with vessels preparing to exit the Persian Gulf. After receiving clearance—reportedly granted by Iran following verification procedures—Indian destroyers and frigates take over escort duties through a layered security framework.
Senior risk analyst Martin Kelly, head of advisory at EOS Risk Group, noted that Iran appears to be allowing select vessels to transit the Strait after checks conducted within its waters.
The operation is supported by an enhanced Indian naval presence in the Gulf of Oman, enabling sustained escort missions in the high-risk zone. Reports have also indicated that US intelligence agencies suspect the deployment of underwater mines in and around the Strait, posing a serious threat to navigation.
By directing vessels along carefully identified safe routes, the Navy is ensuring the safety of crews—many of whom are Indian nationals—while facilitating uninterrupted energy supplies.
The mission has already recorded key successes. LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, carrying a combined cargo of nearly 92,000 tonnes, have safely transited the Strait under naval protection and are expected to reach Indian ports in the coming days.
