Indian Navy Deploys Marine Commandos On India’s Merchant Ships In Persian Gulf Amid US-Iran Tensions 

The Indian Navy has deployed its Marine Commandos (MARCOS) on board India’s merchant ships, especially oil carries crossing the Persian Guif amidst tension between the US and Iran, Sniwire News has reported.

This operation which started last week, has also seen Indian Navy warships - INS Chennai and INS Sunayana protecting Indian merchant vessels passing through the Straits of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

This operation is said to have been undertaken to ensure smooth oil supply for India amidst intensifying US-Iran tensions. India imports over 50 per cent of its oil supply from the troubled region.

Under this exercise, the marine commandos on board Indian Navy warships first security check the eastbound merchant vessels and then take their positions on board the ship until they reach the end of the Persian Gulf. A similar process is carried out for merchant vessels moving westwards into the Persian Gulf.

The Indian Naval deployment also includes a P8-I maritime reconnaissance aircraft operating out of Muscat to coordinate the movement of both warships and merchant vessels.