The Indian Navy’s flagship maritime security initiative, Operation Sankalp, is gaining attention through a new podcast series titled “Operation Sankalp: Meet Guardians of the Seas.” This series offers captivating accounts of naval operations, showcasing the Navy’s pivotal role in protecting India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). The podcast emphasizes high-stakes anti-piracy missions and critical rescue operations that highlight the challenges faced by naval forces.
Initiated on June 19, 2019, Operation Sankalp was designed to ensure the secure passage of Indian-flagged merchant vessels through crucial chokepoints, notably the Strait of Hormuz, which plays a vital role in India’s trade, accounting for over 8% of imports and 11% of exports. Since its launch, the operation has successfully safeguarded more than 200 vessels and approximately 21 million tonnes of cargo. The period between June 2019 and May 2021 alone saw the deployment of 20 warships, with impending operations set for 2024 featuring more than 30 ships and 5,000 personnel addressing drone and missile threats posed by Houthi militants in the Red Sea.
The “Guardians of the Seas” podcast, accessible on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, showcases firsthand accounts from sailors and officers directly involved in these operations. Listeners can expect vivid narratives that range from intercepting pirate vessels during nighttime pursuits to providing protection for missile-struck oil tankers, illustrating the complexities and dangers encountered by the naval team.
Empowering these missions is the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022, which has endowed the Navy with the legal authority to apprehend pirates and engage in operations within international waters. Former Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar has termed this legislation a “great enabler” for ensuring maritime security.
In 2024, the Indian Navy further bolstered Operation Sankalp with the permanent induction of 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones, enhancing its long-range surveillance capabilities. Initially leased in 2020, these drones have accumulated nearly 3,000 flying hours and have surveyed approximately 14 million square miles. Deployed from strategic bases such as INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, these drones considerably improve the Navy’s capacity to counter both kinetic and non-traditional threats, including cyber warfare and grey zone tactics, as highlighted by current Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Operation Sankalp underscores the Indian Navy’s enduring commitment to serving as a net security provider in the IOR. Its legacy can be traced back to the 1971 war, where it significantly diminished Pakistan’s naval capabilities. Today, the Navy continues to adapt in response to evolving maritime threats while also engaging in humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief and evacuation missions. The new podcast series not only pays tribute to the dedication of naval personnel but also serves as an educational resource regarding India’s contemporary maritime strategy.
