Operation Sankalp: Indian Navy Warships Escort Strategic Energy Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz

Operation Sankalp: Indian Navy Warships 

Escort Strategic Energy Tankers 

Through Strait of Hormuz

NEW DELHI/GULF OF OMAN – In a major strategic breakthrough for India’s energy security, the Indian Navy has successfully escorted a convoy of critical energy tankers through the volatile Strait of Hormuz. This operation, carried out under the ambit of Operation Sankalp, marks the first successful transit of India-bound LPG and oil shipments since regional tensions escalated earlier this month.

The successful passage of these vessels follows high-level diplomatic outreach by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the Iranian leadership, ensuring a "case-by-case" safe passage for Indian-flagged merchant ships.

The Mission: Guarding the "Lifeline"

On March 14, 2026, two Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGCs)—the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi—successfully exited the narrow 33 km-wide maritime corridor. These tankers, owned by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), are carrying a combined cargo of nearly 92,700 metric tonnes of LPG, which is crucial for maintaining India's domestic fuel supplies.

Key Highlights of the Escort:

Naval Assets: A Project 15 destroyer (Visakhapatnam/Kolkata class) provided a "close-in" escort.

Air Support: The mission was bolstered by MH-60R Romeo helicopters providing aerial surveillance to detect potential surface or underwater threats.

Live Monitoring: The transit was monitored in real-time at the Information Management and Analysis Centre (IMAC) and the Joint Operations Centre in New Delhi using indigenous satellite feeds and P-8I maritime patrol aircraft.

Diplomatic "Green Channel"

The breakthrough occurred shortly after a phone call on March 12 between PM Narendra Modi and Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian. During the conversation, India emphasized its "strategic autonomy" and the necessity of unhindered energy transit.

While Western vessels face significant hurdles in the region, India’s "neutral but visible" naval presence has allowed it to secure its interests independently of any international coalitions.

The Numbers: Why the Strait Matters to India

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for the Indian economy. The recent blockade and tensions have put significant pressure on domestic markets:


What’s Next?

While the Shivalik is expected to reach Mundra Port and the Nanda Devi is heading for Kandla, the Indian Navy remains on "high operational standby."

22 Vessels Still Pending: There are currently around two dozen Indian-flagged merchant ships on either side of the Strait awaiting safe transit windows.

Escort Continues: Another crude oil tanker, the Jag Laadki, was reportedly spotted being escorted out of the Gulf of Oman earlier today (March 16).

Official Quote: "The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priorities." — PM Narendra Modi via X (formerly Twitter)

The safe transit of the Shivalik and Nanda Devi through the Strait of Hormuz is a testament to India's "Calculated Neutrality" and the technical prowess of its naval assets.

Here is a briefing on the key hardware ensuring these lifelines stay open.

Project 15B: The Guardians (Visakhapatnam-class)

The INS Visakhapatnam (D66) and its sister ships are the most advanced destroyers ever built in India. They serve as the "shield" for the tankers, capable of neutralizing threats from the air, sea surface, and underwater simultaneously.

Stealth & Survivability: Features a reduced Radar Cross Section (RCS) thanks to a sleek hull and radar-transparent deck fittings. It also has a Total Atmosphere Control System (TAC), allowing the crew to operate even in regions with chemical or nuclear fallout.

Offensive Firepower: * BrahMos: Equipped with 16 supersonic cruise missiles for long-range surface strikes.

Barak-8: 32 vertical-launch surface-to-air missiles to intercept incoming drones or anti-ship missiles.

Sensors: The "eyes" of the ship is the IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR AESA radar, which can track hundreds of targets at once, providing the tankers with a 360-degree protective bubble.

MH-60R "Romeo": The Eye in the Sky

Often called the "Submarine Hunter," the MH-60R Seahawks (operated by squadrons like INAS 334) provide a critical aerial layer of protection that the tankers lack.

Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW): It uses advanced dipping sonars and sonobuoys to detect silent "killer" submarines that might be lurking in the narrow Strait. It is armed with Mark 54 lightweight torpedoes.

Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW): To counter the threat of "swarming" fast-attack boats (often used in the Gulf), the Romeo is equipped with Hellfire air-to-surface missiles and precision rockets.

Maritime Surveillance: Its multi-mode radar and long-range infrared sensors allow it to identify suspicious vessels from miles away, well before they get within range of the oil tankers.




Location: Satna, Madhya Pradesh, India

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