The Indian Navy’s flagship maritime security initiative, Operation Sankalp, has been brought into the public spotlight through a new podcast titled “Operation Sankalp: Meet Guardians of the Seas.” The series highlights gripping accounts of naval operations, including high-stakes anti-piracy missions, rescue operations, and the Navy’s critical role in securing India’s maritime interests in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
Launched on June 19, 2019, Operation Sankalp was initiated to ensure the safe passage of Indian-flagged merchant vessels through strategic choke points like the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for over 8% of India’s imports and 11% of exports. Since its inception, the mission has protected more than 200 vessels and 21 million tonnes of cargo. Between June 2019 and May 2021 alone, 20 warships were deployed, with intensified operations in 2024 involving over 30 ships and 5,000 personnel countering drone and missile threats from Houthi militants in the Red Sea.
The “Guardians of the Seas” podcast, available on Spotify and YouTube, features firsthand narratives from sailors and officers involved in these operations. From intercepting pirates at night to escorting missile-hit oil tankers to safety, the episodes bring to life the challenges faced by naval forces.
These missions have been empowered by the Maritime Anti-Piracy Act 2022, which grants the Navy legal authority to apprehend pirates and conduct operations in international waters. The legislation has been described by former Navy Chief Admiral R. Hari Kumar as a “great enabler” for maritime security.
Further strengthening Operation Sankalp, the Indian Navy permanently inducted 15 MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones in 2024, enhancing long-range surveillance. Originally leased in 2020, the drones have now flown nearly 3,000 hours, covering 14 million square miles. Operated from key bases like INS Rajali in Tamil Nadu, the drones bolster the Navy’s ability to counter both kinetic threats and non-traditional challenges like cyber warfare and grey zone tactics, as underlined by current Chief Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi.
Operation Sankalp represents the Indian Navy’s enduring role as a net security provider in the IOR. With a legacy dating back to the 1971 war, where it crippled Pakistan’s naval forces, the Navy continues to adapt to evolving maritime threats while also playing a humanitarian role in disaster relief and evacuation missions. The podcast series serves as both a tribute to naval personnel and an informative resource on India’s modern maritime strategy.
