Indian Navy Launches ‘Operation Urja Suraksha’ To Secure India-Bound Ships Passing Through Strait of Hormuz

The Indian Navy has launched Operation Urja Suraksha to protect India-bound energy shipments in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in West Asia.

The operation is being carried out carefully and with minimal publicity to ensure the safe movement of Indian-flagged cargo vessels carrying critical energy supplies.

A total of 22 vessels have been identified for secure transit, including 20 high-priority ships carrying LNG, LPG, and crude oil.

Early successes include the safe escort of LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, which together are carrying 92,000 tonnes of LPG.

These vessels are expected to reach Indian ports by March 26-27. Other ships escorted so far include LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi and crude oil tanker Jag Laadki.

More than five frontline warships have been deployed in the region.

The Navy is not only escorting the vessels but also providing guidance and route-specific instructions to help crews navigate safely through the narrow and sensitive waters of the Strait.

Destroyers and frigates continue to accompany vessels beyond the Strait, providing layered security all the way to safer waters.

Reports indicate that Iran may have placed underwater mines in parts of the area, making the passage dangerous for commercial ships.

To manage this, the Navy uses detailed hydrographic charts, which map the seabed and identify the safest routes for vessels. Indian naval teams also provide guidance to friendly countries to make nearby sea routes safer.

The Indian government has taken a proactive approach to minimise disruptions to trade. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh recently reviewed the security situation in West Asia, assessing the risks of potential escalation and its impact on supply chains for energy and defence equipment.

The Navy is working closely with the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and the Directorate of Naval Operations to ensure smooth transit of ships.

This operation ensures that India’s energy supplies continue to reach domestic ports without interruption, even as regional tensions threaten one of the world’s most important oil routes.

References: indiatoday,thestatesman