New Delhi, India: India has expressed deep concern over the recent attacks on vessels in the Red Sea, a crucial shipping lane for the country and the world. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday that the Indian Navy is actively assisting in securing the shipping lines and preventing any further damage to ships.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “We have made our position very clear. It’s a matter of concern for us. We give a lot of importance to freedom of navigation and freedom of commerce in that region. Whatever is happening there not just impacts us, but impacts the economic interests of so many people. That is where we are, we are closely monitoring the situation, looking at the unfolding situation with close watch.”
External Affairs Minister’s Iran Visit and Regional Concerns
Jaiswal also mentioned External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s recent visit to Iran, where he discussed the unfolding situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden with Iranian officials. He emphasized India’s deep concern about the violence and destabilizing nature of the events in the region.
“When the External Affairs Minister visited Iran, he made a joint press statement while he was there. This issue of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the violence there, the destabilising nature of things there was discussed. We are deeply concerned about the whole situation,” Jaiswal said.
Indian Navy’s Role in Securing Sea Lanes
The Indian Navy is playing a crucial role in securing the shipping lanes in the Red Sea. Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Hari Kumar said on Thursday that the Navy is coordinating with partner countries to ensure safe passage for ships amid the resurgence of piracy attacks.
“We have seen that till about last year, piracy had become zero. We have seen a resurgence that is probably because of the disturbance due to drone attacks in the Red Sea. We have taken robust action. We have deployed an adequate number of actions. We are not allowing any piracy will be taken,” Kumar asserted.
US Designation of Houthis as Terrorists and Recent Attacks
The United States recently designated Ansarallah, also known as the Houthis, as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist due to their continued attacks and threats. Following the Houthis’ attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the US launched strikes on their targets in Yemen on Wednesday. This prompted Washington to relist the group as “specially designated global terrorists.”
The Houthis, an Iran-aligned group, claimed responsibility for the Red Sea attacks as retaliation for Israel’s Gaza conflict. They have launched several drone and missile attacks on Israel since the war with Hamas in Gaza last October.
India’s Strategic Interests at Stake
The Red Sea is a vital shipping lane for India, as it connects the country to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The ongoing violence and instability in the region pose a significant threat to India’s trade and economic interests. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary steps to protect its interests.
The Indian Navy’s proactive role in securing the sea lanes and the government’s diplomatic efforts to address the regional concerns demonstrate India’s commitment to ensuring safe passage for ships and upholding the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.
It is important to note that the situation in the Red Sea is complex and fluid. While India’s concerns are valid, it is also crucial to understand the perspectives of other stakeholders in the region, such as the Houthis and Iran. A peaceful resolution to the conflict in Yemen is essential for long-term stability and security in the Red Sea.
