operation sankalp

TNN

Iran’s USD1 war toll on each barrel of oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz could add nearly INR10,000 crore to India’s annual import bill. While the toll is a direct breach of ‘transit passage’ rights, India can use four key diplomatic and legal levers to secure its interests.

On most days, India's economic heartbeat is invisible. It does not pulse through stock exchanges or policy corridors but across vast, restless waters where ships move quietly between continents. Yet, when conflict erupts in narrow choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, that invisible system becomes the country’s most visible vulnerability. The ongoing tensions have done exactly that, forcing India to confront a reality it has long managed but rarely foregrounded.

In a recent announcement, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar asserted that those impacted by disasters will be prioritized for state funds. He underscored the government’s dedication to providing timely support, with a focus on standard operating protocols and financial aid for the distressed populace.

India has deployed additional naval assets in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman to ensure safe passage for its fuel-carrying vessels amid escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. The Indian Navy's precautionary deployment aims to escort Indian ships to safer waters, as the strait's closure disrupts crucial energy imports for India.

Shipping lobby and an oil company have requested security escorts for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz and suggested alternative ports like Yanbu to ensure uninterrupted energy and commodity flow. Companies also urged the government to waive demurrage charges for stuck cargo. The Indian Navy's role in ensuring maritime security was also discussed.

Bhupesh Baghel, AICC General Secretary, alleged the Chhattisgarh government has lost control over Maoist operations, demanding the resignation of the Chief Minister and Home Minister. He highlighted discrepancies in the government's statements regarding 'operation sankalp,' questioning casualty figures and the handling of bodies.

Indian Navy successfully rescued hijacked Iranian fishing vessel Al-Kambar 786 with 23-member Pakistani crew in Arabian Sea. Prompt action led to interception of vessel and surrender of armed pirates. Operation lasted over 12 hours with coercive measures to ensure crew safety. Navy conducting checks for vessel's return to fishing activities.

In a tragic incident, three junior commandos from the Telangana's Greyhounds anti-Naxal force were killed in a Maoist-triggered landmine blast along the Telangana-Chhattisgarh border. The explosion occurred during a routine area domination exercise in the Mulugu district. This marks the first fatalities for Telangana Police in anti-Maoist operations this year.

India will continue to maintain naval presence in the troubled Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. India, in fact, launched operation sankalp in June 2019 after mysterious explosions on board two foreign oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, MV Front Altair and MV Kokuka Courageous, amidst heightened tensions between Iran and the US.

HCL Technologies is acquiring Sankalp Semiconductor in an all-cash deal for Rs 180 crore. Sankalp has strong capabilities in analog, digital and mixed signal chip design. It provides end-to-end solutions in the automotive, consumer, IoT, medical electronics, networking and wireless domains.