Indian Navy in a threatening Red Sea

Context: The Red Sea is now in big trouble from Yemen rebels. They keep attacking ships that carry goods and make them unsafe to use there.

Significance of shipping trade:

• Moving stuff across long distances is best done with shipping. This helps the world’s economy a lot.
• An example of its value is that 80% of the world’s oil moves through the Indian Ocean.
  • In history, attacking the sea trade of an enemy has often been a way to make them weaker by going after their safety and sound money economy.

Shipping trade in the Indian Ocean is more susceptible to risks or threats:

• The Indian Ocean has some small openings called “choke points” which can be easily blocked and attacked by countries, thieves, or terrorists.
• In specific, the Bab al Mandab Strait has faced attacks from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. They have aimed missiles and drones at US Navy ships as well as commercial vessels that transport goods.
• These blockage areas create a major danger for the transport of goods in that area.

Causes for this attack:

There are a few reasons for these attacks.

• The other is the fight between big powers in different parts of the world. The conflict in Yemen is seen as a stand-in war for Saudi Arabia and Iran to have their battle there.
• Many countries and groups are helping or backing one team over the other.
• Another reason is about ideas, where the Houthis say they are going after ships to make Israel stop attacking Gaza.
• They focus on ships linked to Israel.

What has been the global reaction?

• The US initiated “Operation Prosperity Guardian” to protect Red Sea shipping because of its strong relationship with Israel. 
  • However, this operation is viewed as provocative towards Iran and has not gained support from France, Italy, and Spain. 
  • India’s deployment of 4-5 warships demonstrates its status as a maritime power.

What obstacles will the Indian Navy face?

• The Indian Navy will face limitations due to jurisdictional issues and the difficulty of countering drone attacks. 
• Ships registered in a specific state are responsible for security and law enforcement, requiring consent from the flag state for other states to board merchant vessels.
• Navies are struggling to find effective ways to defend against drone attacks, especially with smaller drones that are hard to detect and target. 
• India should leverage its positive relationships with Iran and Israel to promote moderation and restore peace in the Indian Ocean.

Source: Indian Express

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