India is evaluating the deployment of Indian Navy warships to safeguard its commercial vessels trapped near the Strait of Hormuz, as the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict disrupts vital energy shipping lanes.
Reports indicate dozens of Indian-flagged ships, including critical oil and LNG tankers carrying supplies for global markets, remain stranded in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman due to Iran’s chokehold on the strait since late February. Over 1,100 Indian seafarers are aboard at least 38 vessels affected, with shipowners urging naval protection to resume passage.
Capt. PC Meena of the Directorate General of Shipping confirmed the government is reviewing escort requests, with a decision imminent following similar moves by Pakistan for its ships. The strait handles nearly 20% of India’s crude imports and one-fifth of global oil flows, amplifying risks to freight rates and energy security.
This comes as prior waivers at ports like JNPA highlight broader logistics strains from the 11-day-old war, threatening trade routes to the Middle East and beyond. Navy officials have activated contingency protocols, potentially mirroring past operations like Sankalp for high-threat corridors.
