Amid West Asia conflict and Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, over half a dozen Indian Navy warships have been deployed near the Gulf region to escort Indian-flagged tankers carrying fuel to India. The Navy adjusts its task force strength based on the evolving situation. Merchant vessels stay in constant contact with the Navy.
Over the last few days, more than half a dozen Indian Navy warships have been positioned near the Gulf region to safely escort tankers carrying fuel to India through the Strait of Hormuz. The task force's strength is being augmented or reduced according to specific requirements and the evolving situation, sources said. Earlier, the Navy escorted two Indian-flagged LPG tankers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, following Iran's blockade of the strait amid the West Asia conflict. On Monday, it tasked warships to escort Pine Gas and Jag Vasant as they crossed the strait; ship tracking data showed them nearing the waters between Iran’s Larak and Qeshm islands by noon. Warships sailing nearby are assigned to specific tankers based on needs. Vessels take varying time to approach the strait—for instance, about 1.5 days from Kuwait—before escorts begin. Indian merchant vessels maintain constant contact with the Navy, which tracks their locations and movements continuously. Once Pine Gas and Jag Vasant exit the strait, 20 Indian vessels will remain in the Persian Gulf.
