Operation Sindhu: India’s Naval Evacuation Mission Amid West Asia Crisis

Context: The Indian Navy has launched Operation Sindhu to safeguard Indian merchant ships and crew amid escalating tensions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, especially due to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels.

Key Details of Operation Sindhu

Background & Need

• Escalating Houthi rebel attacks on commercial vessels near Yemen due to the Israel–Hamas conflict
• Red Sea accounts for ~12% of global trade; closure/risk affects global oil prices & Indian exports
• Indian-flagged ships were being monitored or threatened, prompting a defensive maritime posture
• Preceded by similar missions:
  • Operation Rahat (Yemen 2015)
  • Operation Sankalp (Strait of Hormuz, 2019)

Naval Assets Deployed

• Warships: INS Chennai, INS Kolkata, INS Sumitra, etc.
• Surveillance: P-8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft, drones
• Indian Navy set up constant escort and patrolling deployments

UPSC Prelims Angle

Possible MCQ:

Q. “Operation Sindhu”, recently seen in the news, is related to:

A. River interlinking in South India
B. Cybersecurity response exercise
C. Indian Navy’s maritime security deployment in the Red Sea
D. Disaster relief operation in the Himalayas

✅Answer: C

UPSC Mains Relevance

Significance of Operation Sindhu

• Upholds India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision
• Showcases India’s growing maritime capability to protect its assets globally
• Reinforces India’s position as first responder in the Indian Ocean and beyond

Summary

• Operation Sindhu = Indian Navy deployment to protect merchant vessels in Red Sea/Gulf of Aden
• Triggered by Houthi threats amid Israel–Hamas conflict
• Key example for: Maritime security, India’s naval diplomacy, and diaspora safety operations