Podcast Highlights Indian Navy’s Operation Sankalp and Maritime Security Efforts
India's premier maritime security operation, known as Operation Sankalp, has gained renewed attention through a podcast series entitled "Operation Sankalp: Meet Guardians of the Seas." This series provides compelling narratives of various naval endeavors, focusing on high-risk anti-piracy efforts, rescue missions, and the essential function of the Navy in safeguarding India's maritime interests within the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Operation Sankalp, which commenced on June 19, 2019, was established to facilitate the secure transit of Indian-flagged merchant ships through crucial chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz. This strait is critical as it handles more than 8% of India's imports and 11% of its exports. Since the operation's beginning, it has safeguarded over 200 vessels and 21 million tonnes of cargo. Specifically between June 2019 and May 2021, the Indian Navy deployed 20 warships, and in a heightened 2024 operation, over 30 ships and 5,000 personnel were engaged to counter threats from Houthi militants in the Red Sea.
Available on Spotify and YouTube, the "Guardians of the Seas" podcast provides firsthand accounts from sailors and officers involved in these missions. Episodes capture dramatic scenarios, such as nighttime pirate interceptions and the safe escort of missile-damaged oil tankers, illustrating the complex challenges faced by naval forces.
The Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022 has strengthened these operations by giving the Navy the legal power to detain pirates and conduct actions in international waters. Former Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar has praised the act as a significant boost for maritime security efforts.
Further bolstering Operation Sankalp, the Indian Navy permanently incorporated 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones in 2024, which advanced its long-range surveillance capabilities. Initially leased in 2020, these drones have since accumulated nearly 3,000 flight hours, covering a vast area of 14 million square miles. Stationed at crucial bases like INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, the drones enhance the Navy's capacity to address both direct threats and non-traditional challenges such as cyber warfare and grey zone tactics, as highlighted by current Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Operation Sankalp underscores the Indian Navy's ongoing commitment as a net security provider in the IOR. With historical roots in the 1971 conflict that severely impacted Pakistan's naval capabilities, the Navy remains vigilant against developing maritime threats while maintaining a humanitarian focus on disaster relief and evacuation operations. The podcast series stands as a tribute to naval personnel and an educational insight into India's contemporary maritime strategy.
