*NEW DELHI - Indian Navy’s claim of Net Security Provider in Indian Ocean Region stands busted as Indian Navy abruptly called off its much-touted Maritime Security Operation, Operation Sankalp, in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.*
According to reports, the Indian Navy ships escorting Indian oil tankers have silently left the Gulf of Oman. The ignominious and sudden end of the much-publicized Operation Sankalp raises eyebrows about the capability and capacity of the Indian Navy to become a regional policeman in the Indian Ocean Region.
Following the maritime security incidents of attacks on oil tankers in Persian Gulf June this year, Indian Navy instead of joining US-led force deployed two of its surface combatants in the area to provide support for Indian-flagged vessels operating and transiting through the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. As per Indian Navy claims, aerial surveillance by their aircraft was also being undertaken in the area.
Following the commencement of so-called Operation Sankalp, Indian media was replete with statements about Indian Navy teams boarding Indian flag carriers and ensuring their safety in endangered Strait of Hormuz Area. Efforts undertaken by the Indian Navy as part of the Operation Sankalp were projected as a mega-event indicating Indian wherewithal to secure its sea lanes of communication from the Persian Gulf region which carried approximately 55% of the energy requirements.
According to the report, the much-hyped Indian operation has been abruptly ended and both Indian warships vacated the Straits of Hormuz thus concluding the operation whose objectives remain unfulfilled as the situation in Hormuz still remains volatile.