India has increased its maritime vigilance in the Persian Gulf region as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt shipping routes and raise concerns over the safety of commercial vessels. Several Indian Navy warships have been positioned near the Persian Gulf to assist merchant vessels heading toward India, reflecting the country’s growing focus on securing critical sea lanes that carry energy and trade cargo.

According to officials familiar with the developments, the naval deployment is intended to provide reassurance and operational support to commercial shipping moving through volatile waters near the Strait of Hormuz. The area remains one of the most strategically sensitive maritime corridors globally, and any disruption can have immediate implications for energy-importing nations such as India.

The Indian Navy’s presence is particularly relevant at a time when geopolitical tensions in the region have heightened concerns over maritime security. Warships stationed near the Persian Gulf are on standby to assist India-bound vessels if required, ensuring that shipping traffic continues to move safely through the corridor linking the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.

Recent developments indicate that two India-flagged vessels transporting liquefied petroleum gas have been granted transit through the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian authorities. One of the vessels, Shivalik, was last tracked in the Gulf of Oman and is expected to reach its destination by March 21. Another vessel, Nanda Devi, is also expected to arrive along the Gujarat coast within the next few days.

The safe passage of these vessels is important given India’s heavy dependence on energy shipments passing through the region. A significant portion of India’s crude oil imports and LPG cargo travels through the narrow maritime passage, making uninterrupted access to the strait a strategic priority.

Authorities in New Delhi are also closely monitoring the movement of Indian vessels operating in the region. Data from the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways indicates that 24 India-flagged ships carrying 668 Indian seafarers are currently operating in the Persian Gulf. Additionally, three vessels with 76 Indian seafarers on board are positioned east of the Strait of Hormuz.

To manage potential risks and coordinate response mechanisms, the Directorate General of Shipping has been working with shipowners, recruitment agencies and Indian diplomatic missions abroad. These agencies are tracking vessel movements and maintaining communication with crews to ensure operational safety.

The ministry also activated a 24-hour control room to manage maritime queries and emergencies. Since its activation, the control facility has reportedly handled more than 2,425 calls and over 4,400 emails related to maritime operations and crew assistance.

Authorities have also facilitated the safe repatriation of more than 223 Indian seafarers who were stranded due to regional disruptions.

Iranian officials have sought to reassure India regarding the safety of shipping routes. Iran’s Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, indicated that vessels bound for India would continue to receive safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz despite the ongoing conflict in the region. He emphasized the longstanding economic and diplomatic relationship between India and Iran, noting that both countries share common strategic interests.

Separately, representatives from Iran indicated that the country has not taken any decision to block the Strait of Hormuz. However, shipping activity has slowed in the region due to security concerns and heightened military presence across nearby waters.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also reiterated that the strait remains open to most countries, although vessels associated with the United States and Israel are currently restricted from transiting the corridor amid the conflict.

India’s naval patrols in the region are part of Operation Sankalp, a long-running maritime mission designed to ensure the safety of Indian merchant vessels and maintain stability across key sea lanes. Under this operation, Indian naval ships escort merchant vessels and conduct continuous surveillance along shipping routes connecting the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea.

From an economic perspective, the developments underscore the strategic vulnerability of global energy supply chains. The Strait of Hormuz handles a substantial share of the world’s oil exports each day, making it one of the most critical chokepoints in international trade.

For India, which imports more than 80 percent of its crude oil requirements, any disruption in this corridor could affect energy prices, shipping costs and domestic inflation dynamics.

From a market standpoint, sustained instability in the region typically supports higher global crude prices, which can influence India’s trade balance and currency stability. Energy-intensive sectors such as aviation, logistics and chemicals may face cost pressures if crude prices remain elevated for extended periods.

However, the Indian Navy’s proactive deployment and diplomatic engagement with regional powers could reduce the probability of major disruptions to India-bound shipments.