Piracy attacks in the Arabian and Red Sea, attributed to both pirates and Iran-backed Houthi rebels, are expected to persist, straining the resources of the Indian Navy, as highlighted by senior officials. The recent incident of an Indian warship aiding a vessel attacked by a drone in the Gulf of Aden underscores the ongoing challenges. Discussions between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar at the Munich Security Conference focused on the maritime threats, with Blinken emphasizing a “mutually reinforcing” approach.
India’s response involves deploying a dozen warships, surveillance aircraft, and drones, constituting its largest peacetime mission in seven decades, covering nearly 4 million square kilometers of the Arabian Sea. The primary objective is to address the surge in piracy coinciding with Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. While piracy attempts have diminished with US and UK strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, sustained operations remain imperative, according to unnamed officials involved in operations.
Despite successes like trailing a hijacked Iranian-flagged fishing vessel until the pirates surrendered, the Indian Navy faces challenges. The ongoing operations have compelled the Navy to redirect ships from the Bay of Bengal, a vital area with increased Chinese vessel presence. Analysts, while acknowledging the Navy’s commendable efforts, raise concerns about its ability to sustain deployments and operational tempo due to limited resources.
Anit Mukerjee, a South Asian security issues expert at Kings College, London, commended the Indian Navy’s efforts but cautioned about maintaining the current pace. The situation underscores the complex demands on naval resources as they address piracy, respond to Houthi threats, and adapt to evolving geopolitical dynamics. As India navigates these challenges, international recognition of its role in the region suggests the need for a strategic and sustainable approach to maritime security.
Check here for the latest updates in Hindi!