Indian Navy Monitors Safe Transit Of 2 Merchant Ships Through Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

An Indian Navy unit deployed in the region monitored the passage of two merchant ships, MV Dagher and MV Union Mariner, through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait on August 25.

No incident involving either vessel was reported.

The operation is part of the Navy’s continuing efforts to ensure safe movement of essential cargo to and from India and to safeguard India’s maritime interests.

The Bab-el-Mandeb is a narrow strait linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden. It is a major shipping route for commercial vessels operating between these waters.

Indian Navy warships are now deployed across the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

Warships are deployed in the Gulf of Oman under Operation Sankalp while others are involved in anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden, sources in the defence establishment said.

Indian Navy Assists Merchant Shipping

The sources said the warships operating in the Gulf of Aden are helping Indian merchant ships to reach their destinations safely.

The deployments cover key maritime areas linked to commercial shipping routes between the Middle East, Red Sea and Indian Ocean.

The deployed naval assets can also be used for helping stranded Indian nationals if necessary, sources said. But they said there had been no communication about any such requirement.

The Navy continues to focus on protecting India’s maritime interests and supporting the safe transit of vital cargo through the region.

References: thehindubusinessline