Operation Urja Suraksha
Why in news?
The operation gained prominence on 25–26 March 2026, as the Indian Navy successfully escorted high-priority LPG tankers like Pine Gas and Jag Vasant (carrying 92,000 tonnes of fuel) through the volatile corridor.
Key Information
- Objective: To ensure the uninterrupted supply of oil and gas to Indian refineries and city gas systems by protecting tankers from being sabotaged or forcibly diverted.
- Area of Operation: The mission primarily focuses on the Strait of Hormuz, extending through the Gulf of Oman and into the northern Arabian Sea.
- Naval Assets Deployed: More than five frontline warships, including advanced guided-missile destroyers (like INS Kochi and INS Chennai) and multi-role frigates, are active in the region.
- Operation Strategy:
- Layered Security: Warships provide physical escorts, electronic-warfare protection, and anti-drone cover.
- Safe Route Mapping: The Navy uses hydrographic survey data to identify safe paths, specifically avoiding reported underwater minefields.
- Diplomatic Coordination: Unlike standard combat missions, India secured special permissions from Tehran to allow its ships to pass while many other global routes remained restricted.
- Key Vessels Protected: The Navy has identified 22 high-priority tankers for protection. Earlier successes included the safe passage of the Shivalik, Nanda Devi, and Jag Laadki.
- Non-Combat Nature: The mission is characterized as a "risk-reduction and deterrence" effort rather than a direct military intervention, maintaining a low profile to avoid further regional escalation.
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