India Considers Sending Warships to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran War
Key Takeaways
- India is considering deploying naval ships to escort its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz
- Shipowners have requested protection for Indian commercial vessels navigating the strategic waterway
- The New York Times reported India is examining the move amid ongoing Middle East tensions
Escalation and risk
India is weighing the deployment of warships to escort Indian commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz after the waterway became a high-risk zone amid escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
“NEW DELHI: India is considering sending naval ships to escort its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Middle East tensions, according to a report by The New York Times”
The Times of India reports senior maritime officials, including Meena of India's main maritime authority, have noted the risk and possible protective measures as the conflict enters its second week and disrupts shipping lanes.
Energy dependence at risk
The consideration for naval escorts is driven by India's heavy dependence on Middle Eastern energy: roughly 55 percent of India’s crude oil comes from the region and about 35 percent of its oil imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, while nearly 80 percent of the country’s liquefied petroleum gas imports also pass through the waterway.
These figures, cited in The Times of India and attributed to brokerage firm Jefferies, underscore the strategic vulnerability of India’s energy supply chains.
Stranded ships and response
The human and commercial impact is already visible: reports indicate around 38 Indian-flagged commercial ships carrying more than 1,100 sailors are stranded in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, prompting government directives to protect seafarers and assets.
“NEW DELHI: India is considering sending naval ships to escort its vessels through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing Middle East tensions, according to a report by The New York Times”
Union Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal has directed officials, including the Directorate General of Shipping, to take steps to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers and maritime assets, according to The Times of India.
Regional shipping escorts
Regional responses illustrate wider alarm: Pakistan has deployed naval escorts for its commercial vessels in the area and released images showing a warship escorting a crude oil tanker from the national shipping company, while shipping firms have slowed or halted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz amid security concerns.
The Times of India notes Pakistan’s energy import dependencies on Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, which help explain its protective measures.
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