India, Pakistan navies operate in rare close proximity near Strait of Hormuz

A rare maritime development near the Strait of Hormuz has brought Indian and Pakistan naval operations into unusually close proximity, with warships of both countries observed operating just 18 nautical miles apart amid rising tensions in West Asia waters.

The movement was reported by open-source intelligence analyst Damien Symon, associated with The Intel Lab, who flagged the proximity of the vessels operating off the coast of Oman.

“A rare event observed a short while ago: Indian and Pakistani navy vessels are operating just 18 nautical miles apart off the coast of Oman, likely as both countries work to secure their merchant shipping interests amid the West Asia conflict,” Symon said, sharing a map indicating the positioning.

Shortly after, he noted that a Pakistan-flagged crude oil tanker, Sargodha, was en route to Karachi under Pakistan Navy escort.

The development comes as both countries step up maritime security measures in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint.

INDIAN NAVY ESCORTING ENERGY CARGOES

The Indian Navy has been identifying and escorting India-bound ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas, liquefied natural gas and crude oil under Operation Urja Suraksha, launched to ensure safe passage through volatile waters.

The operation is aimed at escorting, guiding and safeguarding energy shipments bound for Indian ports as tensions escalate over shipping risks in the region following disruptions linked to West Asia conflict dynamics.

An official told The Hindu, “We are escorting and, to some extent, helping ships in navigation for smooth movement through the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, till the Arabian Sea.”

The official also said Indian Navy destroyers and frigates are extending protection beyond the Strait as well.

RECENT ESCORT OPERATIONS

In recent weeks, the Navy has escorted multiple energy carriers through the region.

LPG carriers Pine Gas and Jag Vasant, carrying nearly 92,000 tonnes of cooking gas, reached Indian ports between March 26 and 27 after protected transit.

Other vessels escorted include LPG carriers Shivalik and Nanda Devi, along with crude oil tanker Jag Laadki.

An Indian-flagged vessel, Jag Vikram, carrying 20,400 metric tonnes of LPG, arrived at Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat on Wednesday, marking the ninth Indian vessel to exit the Persian Gulf since early March.

Officials said about 15 Indian-flagged ships are still in the region awaiting passage.

REGIONAL NAVAL MOVEMENTS INTENSIFY

Meanwhile, Pakistan has also stepped up escort operations for its merchant fleet. A Pakistan-flagged crude oil tanker Sargodha was seen moving towards Karachi under naval protection after passing through the Strait.

Earlier this week, two Pakistani merchant vessels were allowed to cross the Strait of Hormuz to Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates after initially being denied passage by Iranian authorities.

The Strait of Hormuz and the adjoining Gulf of Oman remain critical maritime routes through which a significant share of global oil shipments pass. Increasing naval presence by regional forces reflects growing concerns over potential disruptions to trade flows amid the evolving West Asia situation.

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