OPERATION
SANKALP - DEFENCE & SECURITY
News:
Indian Navy's Ongoing
Maritime Security Operations Under Aegis Of 'Op Sankalp’
What's
in the news?
●
The Indian Navy has responded to the manifestation
of the Israel-Hamas conflict in the maritime domain by re-orienting and
significantly enhancing the scope of its ongoing maritime security operations
since mid-December 2023 under the aegis of 'Operation Sankalp'.
Key
takeaways:
●
The significance of IN's contributions has
been further underscored with the culmination of actions against the hijacking
of MV Ruen.
Operation
Sankalp:
●
It is a maritime security operation conducted by the Indian Navy in the Arabian
Sea and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Aim:
●
To protect merchant vessels and ensure
maritime security against piracy, drone attacks and threats from non-state
actors, including the Houthi rebels.
●
To safeguard international maritime trade
routes and ensure the safety of life at sea.
Need
of Operation Sankalp:
●
The operation was initiated in response to
increasing maritime threats in the Arabian Sea and the IOR, including piracy
and attacks from non-state actors like the Houthi rebels.
Features:
●
Operation Sankalp involves extensive
surveillance, boarding operations and coordination with international partners
to monitor and counter threats.
●
By maintaining a strong naval presence and
readiness to respond to incidents, the Indian Navy aims to deter and address potential threats from Houthi rebels
and other non-state actors.
Collaborations:
●
Operation Sankalp involves collaboration
with international forces such as China's
Anti Piracy Escort Force and Europe's EUNAVFOR, as well as coordination
with countries affected by piracy and maritime threats.
●
This collaborative approach enhances the
effectiveness of anti-piracy and maritime security efforts.
Achievements:
●
Since its launch, the Indian Navy has
rescued over 110 lives, including 45 Indian seafarers; escorted 1.5 million
tons of critical commodities; conducted nearly 1,000 boarding operations;
seized over 3,000 kg of narcotics; and assured over 450 merchant vessels of the
Navy's presence, effectively enhancing maritime security in the region.
Impact
of Operation Sankalp:
●
Operation Sankalp plays a crucial role in
protecting India's maritime interests by ensuring the safety of shipping routes
that are vital for India's trade and energy security.
●
It also reinforces India's position as a responsible naval power committed to
maintaining regional stability and safeguarding the maritime commons.
Significance
of the Indian Navy's role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR):
●
The Indian Navy's role in the Indian Ocean
Region is critical for several reasons.
●
As the primary maritime force in an area
central to global trade and energy routes, the Indian Navy ensures the security
of sea lanes against threats like piracy, terrorism and interstate conflicts.
●
The IOR is strategic not only for India's
economic growth through maritime trade but also for its energy security, as a
significant portion of the world's oil shipments pass through this region.