Context
In a recent development, Yemen’s Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacking an India-bound oil ship, Andromeda Star, in the Red Sea. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indian vessels and crew members in the region.
Details
- The Red Sea is regarded as a primary channel that has over the years served as a link between the historical routes of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to foster trade.
- Through the Second Narrows, it brackets the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean in the context of the Suez Canal. People all over the world use the passage to move approximately 12% of their trade including as much as 9% of the oil transported by the sea.
- The importance of the passageway in international commerce is thus overwhelmingly demonstrated by this figure.
Brief spotlight on the issue
- The Houthi armed against Yemen since late November 2022 are ceaselessly launching attacks on the inbound ships through their deliberate use of unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles in the Red Sea.
- They preferred not to target with tankers and swaging vessels which ship a produce one they would need in the future and thus want to render the maritime trade flow impossible.
- The main shipping cars get totally distracted from the Red Sea route and instead prefer to follow the direction to the Cape of Good Hope to escape all possible attacks.
- The situation in question implies an economic contraction which will, as a consequence, result in so-called “monopoly power of cargo delivery charges”. Markets just need to be replaced in an immediate way to get protection from any further dangers for maritime security.
About Houthi Rebels
- The Zaydi Shia, who were once in the rebellion under the name the Houthi rebels, go back to the early 2000s. This group is headed by Alhouthi, and their ideology is a fusion of Alzain Shia school of thought and resistance against the West and Saudi Arabia.
- C.A. was known in the Arab Spring and Marib, which is the capital of Yemen, was taken in 2014. Hence, war against the Yemeni government, which is recognized, and the Saudi led coalition continues for a much longer period, thus bringing in a catastrophe that involved an immense destruction and displacement.
- The Human Rights Watch has made several allegations of fraud against the Houthi forces, including the kidnapping, the forced disappearance and the death penalty. Because Iran would have provided such an assistance is the point of dispute, however the amount of its involvement is still an issue of various hypotheses.
Geographical Location of Red Sea
- The Red Sea is a narrow waterway joining the sea of two continent semi-arid eco-reserves – both the eastern and western regions of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- In this way it is a neighbour that is common to most countries including Egypt, Sudan, and Saudi Arabia.
- The imperious role of the reefs in biology and geology is evident in all the Red Sea trade, tourism, and research on biodiversity.
Key Highlights of Red Sea and its Crisis
- The Red Sea, a strategic maritime route connecting Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula, is two times faster than the Suez Canal and accounts for 12% of total international trade in a year.
- However, security threats from the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have led to attacks on ships transporting commodities, disrupting international trade and supply chains.
- The Red Sea section also holds economic significance, accounting for 10% of seaborne oil net output and 8.9% total fuel production worldwide.
- The route serves as a gateway for Asian countries to Europe, providing discounts in prices and accelerating supply chains.
- Rerouting challenges arise from conventional keel, which can result in increased costs for consumers.
- The situation in Yemen may remain stable due to international diplomacy and coercion for security.
- India’s role is double-edged due to economic and security blockages due to the Red Sea disruption, using diplomatic communiqués and military assets to secure mutual interests.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Red Sea crisis points to the significance of maritime trade routes and security not only in the realm of trade and politics but also as topics for research. The mounting Houthi rebels attacks, on the other hand, poses a major problem to international trade, running the risk of chaos in the supply chains that, as a result, culminates in economic instability.
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Mains Practice Question
Q.Analyse the geopolitical implications of the Red Sea Crisis on regional stability and international maritime trade. Discuss the key stakeholders involved, their interests, and potential strategies for mitigating tensions and resolving the crisis. How does the Red Sea Crisis intersect with broader regional conflicts and global security concerns?
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