In order to ensure the security of Indian vessels that are operating in the regions of the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, the Navy has sent warships and undertaken aerial surveillance. This has come amid the increasing tension between the US and Iran. The Navy reported: “INS Chennai and INS Sunayna have been deployed in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf to undertake maritime security operations. In addition, aerial surveillance by IN aircraft is also being undertaken in the area.”

They added: “The Indian Navy has deployed warships in the Gulf of Oman to reassure the Indian Flagged Vessels operating/transiting through the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, following the maritime security incidents in the region.” On Thursday, a US spy drone was shot down by Iran. While the US Department of Defence alleged that the drone had been in international air space, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps suggested that it violated their air corridor.

Advisories had already been issued a fey days ago to Indian vessels in the region to undertake appropriate measures for protection. The Indian Navy also reported that it “remains committed to ensuring the safety of Indian maritime trade and merchant vessels operating in the region and contributing towards maintaining a stable and peaceful Indian Ocean Region.”