New Delhi, 02 April (H.S.):

Indian Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi has warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia, have triggered severe economic impact and energy instability in the region.

Speaking at the flag‑off ceremony of the second edition of “IOC Sagar” in Mumbai, he emphasised that maritime competition is no longer confined to oil and energy alone, but is expanding to resources that will shape future growth—such as rare‑earth elements, critical minerals, new fishing grounds, and even data.

Admiral Tripathi pointed out that more than 3,700 different kinds of maritime incidents have occurred in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and in 2025 alone, narcotics worth over one billion US dollars were seized in the region. He noted that modern technology has become widely accessible, even to piracy and smuggling networks, making threats such as narco‑trafficking far more complex and dangerous.

Now in its fifth week, the West‑Asian conflict has led to repeated blockages and tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of global oil shipments pass. The Chief observed that this has not only rattled global energy markets but also intensified activity in seabed surveys, deep‑sea research, and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing—activities that often encroach on the rights of coastal states and exploit weaknesses in surveillance and enforcement.

Highlighting the role of the “IOC Sagar” initiative, Admiral Tripathi said such collaborative programmes bring 16 like‑minded maritime nations together to strengthen regional security, generate trust, and set a strong example for the wider maritime community. The exercise will travel through the south‑eastern Indian Ocean Region over the next 50 days, deepening connections among participating navies and demonstrating a joint commitment to open, stable and secure seas.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar