Operation Sankalp

Operation Sankalp- Relevance for UPSC Exam

GS Paper 3: Security- Security challenges and their management in border areas; Various Security forces and agencies and their mandate.

INS Trikand is currently deployed in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman as part of Operation Sankalp.

About Operation Sankalp: in 2019, Operation Sankalp was started after there were explosions in oil tanker ships in the Gulf of Oman amid tensions between Iran and the US.
- Since then, an Indian Navy ship with an integral helicopter embarked has been continuously deployed in the north-west Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman and Persian
Mandate of Operation Sankalp: Operation Sankalp is the Indian Navy’s effort to maintain a frontline ship in the region to ensure safe and secure movement of trade, instill confidence in the maritime community and contribute to regional maritime security.
Significance of Operation Sankalp: The Indian Navy’s Operation Sankalp has provided safe passage to an average of 16 Indian-flagged merchant vessels in the Gulf region every day.
About INS Trikand: INS Trikand is a state-of-the-art guided missile stealth frigate and is part of the Western Fleet that operates under the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, based at Mumbai.

Energy Dependence: India is dependent for about 85% of its demand for oil on imports.
- Out of which, in 2019-2020, around 62% of India’s oil imports valued at approximately $66 billion came from the Gulf region.
Trade Dependence: In 2019-20, India’s exports and imports from the region stood at around $51 billion and $108.2 billion, respectively.
- These constitute 8.1% and 11.4% of India’s total exports and imports, respectively,
Security Concerns: Operation Sankalp ensure the safety of India’s Mercantile Marine in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
- Operation Sankalp will also help India in building a strategic bilateral relationship and enhancing maritime security in the region.