100 days of Op Sankalp: Navy saved over 100 lives, undertook nearly 1,000 boarding operations

NEW DELHI: Marking 100 days since the launch of maritime security operations ‘Op Sankalp’ in the Arabian sea and the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Indian Navy on Saturday shared several significant details about its internationally-acclaimed lead role in ensuring the safety and security of merchant vessels.


Affirming Indian Navy actions to secure the region from the threat posed by piracy and drone attacks, Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R Hari Kumar said that the Indian Navy is very clear about its job and will take affirmative action to ensure there is safety and security in the Indian Ocean, adding that the region is named after India.

"Earlier there were 54-55 anti-piracy ships every day and now it has gone up to 64-65. These are from the Anti Piracy Escort Force from China and EUNAVFOR from Europe. As they are present there according to their national directions, the Indian Navy is very clear about its job," he said at a press conference on Saturday.

"This is the Indian Ocean, named after us, and if we don't take action, then who will? Bhartiya Nau Sena will take affirmative action to ensure there is safety and security in the Indian Ocean," he added.

"With great power comes great responsibility ... We are the largest resident naval power in the ocean named after our country ... If we don't take responsibility, who will?," said the Navy chief.

Anti-drone, anti-missile, and anti-piracy operations
The arduous efforts of the Navy since December 23, 2023, involved the deployment of over 5,000 personnel at sea, over 450 ship days (with over 21 ships deployed) and 900 hours of flying by the maritime surveillance aircraft to address threats in the maritime domain, the Navy said in a statement.


The Navy took part in at least 18 incidents where they played a pivotal role as the 'First Responder' and 'Preferred Security Partner'.


With over 110 lives saved (including 45 Indian seafarers), 15 lakh tons of critical commodities escorted (such as fertilisers, crude oil and finished products), nearly 1,000 boarding operations undertaken, more than 3,000 kgs of narcotics seized and over 450 MVs assured of the Navy's presence, the ongoing maritime security operations have truly reflected Indian Navy's capability in playing a vital role as a strong and a responsible Navy in the IOR, said the statement.


Lead role
The calibrated response, ingenuity and unflinching resolve displayed by the Indian Navy during the progress of ongoing maritime security operations under the aegis of ‘Op Sankalp’ has garnered international acclaim by virtue of the effects generated in safeguarding India’s maritime interests, countering maritime threats, thwarting the resurgence of piracy and significantly denting narcotics trade in the IOR.


Based on the threat assessment in the region, the Indian Navy is conducting maritime security operations in three areas of operations viz Gulf of Aden and adjoining areas, Arabian Sea and off the East Coast of Somalia.

The Indian Navy has taken the 'lead' in responding to security situations arising out of a myriad of threats in the region.

In its statement, the Navy said the naval ships, aircraft and Special Forces have demonstrated an "unflinching resolve to secure the seas and protect the maritime community from various non-traditional threats present in the region".
(With inputs from agencies)
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