New Delhi, March 4: The intense conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate. This ongoing war has significantly impacted international flights and maritime trade in the Middle East. As a result, many Indian travelers are stranded in the region due to flight cancellations. In response, the Indian government has initiated special flights to assist these citizens. Additionally, the Indian Navy’s warships, which have been on standby, are ready to be deployed if necessary.
Under the Navy’s ‘Mission Deployment,’ two major operations have been underway since 2017: ‘Operation Sankalp’ near the Gulf of Oman and an anti-piracy operation in the Gulf of Aden. Currently, the guided missile destroyer INS Surat is stationed near the Gulf of Oman. Sources indicate that this warship can conduct rescue and relief operations if required. Moreover, other Indian Navy vessels in the Gulf of Aden can be mobilized quickly if needed.
INS Surat, a guided missile destroyer, boasts the capability to execute operations without being detected by enemy radar. It is equipped with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles. The ship features a missile system that can launch a total of 32 medium-range surface-to-air missiles through two vertical launchers, each capable of holding 16 missiles.
Additionally, the vessel is armed with the BrahMos anti-ship missile system, allowing it to fire 16 BrahMos missiles. It also has advanced surveillance radar and is equipped with rocket and torpedo launchers to neutralize enemy submarines. The destroyer measures 163 meters in length and weighs approximately 7,400 tons. It is powered by four powerful gas turbines and can reach speeds of around 30 nautical miles per hour.
The Indian Navy has a long history of conducting relief and rescue operations in Gulf nations. In recent years, the Navy has participated in several significant missions, safely bringing thousands of Indians back home at the government’s request.
In 2023, ‘Operation Kaveri’ was launched, where the Navy played a crucial role in evacuating Indians stranded in Sudan. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, ‘Operation Samudra Setu’ facilitated the safe return of Indians from Gulf countries, Maldives, and Sri Lanka. In 2015, ‘Operation Rahat’ successfully rescued Indians caught in the Yemen crisis. Earlier, in 2011, ‘Operation Safe Homecoming’ brought Indians back from Libya, and in 2006, ‘Operation Sukoon’ ensured the safe return of Indians from Lebanon.
The Indian Navy initiated ‘Mission Deployment’ in 2017, with a total of six warships currently stationed in various regions worldwide under this mission.
The first deployment is near the Strait of Hormuz in the Arabian Sea, through which approximately 80% of India’s energy trade passes via the Gulf of Oman. The second deployment is in the Gulf of Aden, where nearly 90% of other trade, including goods traveling through the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, reaches India via the Arabian Sea. This area is considered highly vulnerable to maritime piracy, with pirates from Djibouti and Somalia active in the region. This route is the shortest for trade, resulting in high traffic.
If the Gulf of Aden route becomes obstructed, merchant vessels must travel through the Mediterranean Sea around the Cape of Good Hope, significantly increasing both time and costs.
The third deployment is near Seychelles, aimed at securing vessels traveling via the Cape of Good Hope route and preventing piracy. The fourth deployment is near the Maldives, the fifth near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the sixth in the Bay of Bengal near the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.
During these deployments, Indian warships also conduct exercises with allied navies and perform relief and rescue operations in the event of piracy or maritime accidents.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
Leave a Comment