India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in parts of West Asia following the recent escalation of regional tensions. In response, the Indian government has naval assets under Operation Sankalp on standby. They are ready to respond to potential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) requirements.
Defence officials have confirmed that developments in the region are being continuously tracked. Relevant government departments are receiving regular updates to ensure that timely decisions can be taken if the situation deteriorates.
Background of Operation Sankalp
Operation Sankalp was launched in 2019 to safeguard maritime trade routes in the Gulf region amid rising security threats. The mission primarily aims to ensure the safety of Indian merchant vessels and protect maritime interests in critical sea lanes.
Under this operation, the Indian Navy maintains a consistent presence in strategic waters.
At present, two Indian Navy warships — a frigate and a destroyer — are deployed in:
- Gulf of Aden
- Gulf of Oman
These vessels conduct anti-piracy patrols and provide security escorts to commercial shipping operating along major international maritime routes.
Preparedness for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief
Officials have stated that the deployed ships remain capable of quickly adapting their roles in the event of a regional crisis.
Possible tasks include:
- Evacuation of civilians
- Humanitarian assistance operations
- Disaster relief missions
- Medical support and emergency logistics
The Indian Navy has extensive operational experience in conducting HADR missions across the Indian Ocean region during natural disasters and conflict situations.
INS Surat and Regional Maritime Cooperation
Apart from ships deployed under Operation Sankalp, the destroyer INS Surat is currently stationed in Bahrain as part of regional maritime security cooperation.
The deployment strengthens India’s collaboration with partner countries and contributes to ensuring safe sea routes.
Strategic Importance of the Region
The Gulf region is critical for India because:
- A large portion of India’s energy imports passes through these waters.
- Major shipping routes connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa run through the region.
- Millions of Indians live and work in West Asia.
Maintaining maritime security in this region is therefore vital for India’s economic and strategic interests.
Cabinet Committee on Security Reviews Situation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on March 1, 2026, to review the evolving situation in West Asia.
The CCS is the highest decision-making body in India on matters related to defence, security, and strategic affairs.
Participants in the Meeting
The meeting was attended by:
- Rajnath Singh
- Amit Shah
- S. Jaishankar
- Nirmala Sitharaman
Senior officials briefed the committee on the security developments and assessed potential impacts on India’s strategic interests and economic stability.
Importance of the Gulf Region for India
West Asia holds major geopolitical and economic importance for India.
Key Strategic Factors
- Major supplier of crude oil and natural gas to India
- Important trade routes connecting Europe and Asia
- Presence of a large Indian diaspora
- Central role in global maritime energy transport
Any instability in the region can affect India’s energy security and trade flows.
India’s Experience in Crisis Response Operations
India has conducted several successful evacuation and humanitarian missions in the past.
Examples include:
- Evacuation operations during conflicts in West Asia
- Disaster relief missions in the Indian Ocean region
- Assistance during humanitarian crises in neighbouring countries
These operations demonstrate the rapid response capabilities of the Indian Navy.
Exam-Oriented Facts
- Operation Sankalp was launched in 2019.
- It ensures maritime security in the Gulf region.
- Indian Navy ships are deployed in the Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman.
- INS Surat is currently deployed in Bahrain.
- The Gulf of Aden connects the Indian Ocean with the Red Sea and the Suez Canal.
- The Cabinet Committee on Security is India’s highest body for national security decisions.
- Indian Navy frequently conducts Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations.
Operation Sankalp FAQs
Operation Sankalp is an Indian Navy mission launched in 2019 to ensure maritime security in the Gulf region.
Escalating tensions in the region could affect maritime trade, energy supplies, and the safety of the Indian diaspora.
They can conduct evacuation operations, humanitarian assistance missions, and disaster relief activities.
They are stationed in the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman.
It is India’s highest decision-making body on defence and national security matters.
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