India Places Naval Assets on Standby Amid Rising West Asia Tensions Under Operation Sankalp

Category : Defense Published on: March 10 2026

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India is closely monitoring the evolving security situation in West Asia following recent regional escalation. The Indian government has placed naval assets deployed under Operation Sankalp on standby to respond to potential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief requirements. Defence officials stated that developments are being continuously tracked and updates shared with relevant government departments to enable timely decision-making if the situation further deteriorates.
Under Operation Sankalp, two Indian Navy warships — a frigate and a destroyer — are currently deployed in the Gulf of Aden and the Gulf of Oman. Stationed in the region since 2019 primarily for anti-piracy operations, these vessels remain capable of shifting roles to humanitarian assistance or evacuation missions. Additionally, INS Surat is presently stationed in Bahrain as part of ongoing regional maritime security engagement with partner countries.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security on 1 March 2026 to review the evolving conflict and assess implications for India. The meeting was attended by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Senior officials briefed the committee on regional developments and potential impacts on India's strategic interests, economic stability and the safety of the Indian diaspora.