Naval warships escort Indian vessels from the Gulf of Oman, Pg12

Key Highlights:

• The Indian Navy has deployed warships to escort Indian-flagged merchant vessels through the Persian Gulf region.
• Three Indian Navy ships escorted Shivalik, Nanda Devi, and Jag Laadki from the Gulf of Oman after they crossed the Strait of Hormuz.
• Jag Laadki, carrying over 80,000 tonnes of crude oil, narrowly escaped an attack at the Fujairah terminal in the UAE.
• These operations are conducted under Operation Sankalp, launched in June 2019 to safeguard Indian maritime interests.

Detailed Insights:

• The deployment aims to ensure the safe transit of Indian vessels through vulnerable waters amidst heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.
• Operation Sankalp was initiated in June 2019 to protect Indian-flagged vessels passing through critical sea lanes, including during incidents like the Houthi attacks.
• Shivalik reached Mundra Port on Monday evening, with priority berthing arranged to expedite cargo discharge, while Nanda Devi and Jag Laadki are expected to arrive on Tuesday.
• Domestic LPG production has increased by 36% since the supply maintenance order, ensuring uninterrupted supply to domestic consumers.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, a critical route for oil tankers.
• Operation Sankalp: An Indian Navy initiative to ensure the safety and security of Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf region.
• LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas): A flammable mixture of hydrocarbon gases used as fuel in heating appliances, cooking equipment, and vehicles.