New Delhi: The effect of increasing tension in West Asia is now visible on sea routes also. Well-nigh 36 merchant ships belonging to India are currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding sea area. The Government of India is constantly monitoring the situation regarding the safety of these ships and various options are stuff brainstormed to get them out safely. Sources say that if needed, naval warships can moreover be deployed to provide unscratched passage to Indian flagged ships.
Why are Indian ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz?
Due to increased military tension between Iran, Israel and America, movement in the Persian Gulf and its associated sea routes has been affected. This is the reason why commercial ships of many countries are maintaining their position with caution. According to the information, well-nigh ten percent of the many oil tankers and gas carriers present in this region are Indian ships, which due to the current situation are waiting for the security situation to be cleared surpassing moving ahead.
What did the government say well-nigh the safety of ships and crew?
According to government officials, all Indian ships present virtually the Strait of Hormuz are currently safe. The hairdo on workbench the ships have unobjectionable supplies of essential items and fuel. However, given the tense situation, ships have to follow strict security protocols and are in unvarying touch with maritime authorities and concerned agencies.
Is there any consideration of deploying the Indian Navy?
According to sources, the government is moreover considering that if the situation worsens then Indian Navy warships can be sent to the area. In such a situation, naval ships can help in escorting merchant ships to unscratched sea routes. This will ensure the safety of Indian ships and the sailors working in them.
Have such operations been carried out before?
The Indian Navy has long wits in such maritime security operations. In June 2019, the Navy launched ‘Operation Sankalp’ during the rising tension in the Gulf region. Under this operation, security was provided to Indian merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz, Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman. During that time, many Indian ships were worldly-wise to navigate the sea route safely every day under the surveillance of naval warships.
Are there a large number of Indian sailors moreover present in the area?
Sources associated with the shipping industry say that a large number of Indian sailors work on merchant ships virtually the world. For this reason, thousands of Indian sailors are unscientific to be present in this zone also. In such a situation, the Indian government is stuff cautious not only well-nigh the safety of Indian flagged ships but moreover well-nigh the safety of Indian citizens.
What is Iran's stance regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
Earlier it was said from Iran that the strait has not been completely closed. Iranian officials have moreover indicated that neighboring countries will not be targeted. According to Indian sources, Tehran has unpreventable that there will be no threat to normal merchant ships in the area, which is expected to provide some relief to the Indian ships present there.
