India, US Respond to Escalating Houthi Threat in Red Sea

India and the US take measures against Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes, critical for global trade and regional stability.

JAMSHEDPUR – The situation in the Red Sea, a critical global trade route, has escalated due to increasing tensions surrounding the Houthi issue, drawing international concern and response.

India has emphasized its commitment to the free movement of commercial shipping in the region, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Arindam Bagchi highlighting the country’s ongoing monitoring of the situation.

In a proactive move, India has deployed two warships, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata, off the coast of Aden to bolster maritime security in the northern Arabian Sea.

The United States has also taken a firm stance, attributing the planning of Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea to Iran’s involvement.

The US has warned Tehran of a potential response to the increased threat, emphasizing the importance of securing this vital sea lane.

Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen have intensified attacks on commercial ships since October 7, coinciding with the Israel-Hamas war.

These attacks are a show of support for the Palestinian terrorist group and have included targeting Israeli ships or those headed to Israeli ports.

A significant development is the US-led formation of a 10-nation coalition, including Britain, France, Bahrain, and Italy, aimed at countering Houthi missile and drone attacks in the Red Sea.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed the need for global cooperation to address challenges posed by non-state actors threatening freedom of navigation.

India, heavily reliant on the Red Sea route for trade with West Asia, Africa, and Europe, faces economic and security impacts due to these disruptions.

The Houthi militants’ attack on the Liberian-flagged ship Palatium III with an anti-ship ballistic missile has led to many insurance companies refusing to cover shipments crossing the Red Sea.

A report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) warns of potential freight rate increases in India, as the country depends on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait for crucial imports and trade.

The White House, citing declassified intelligence, confirms Iran’s role in equipping the Houthis with systems to target maritime vessels.

US National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson indicated that Iran provided tactical intelligence vital for Houthi operations.

The Biden administration is considering additional actions in response to these attacks, which have raised fears of a broader conflict involving the US in the Middle East.

Houthi officials assert that their targeting of ships will persist as long as Israel continues its actions against Hamas.

The Pentagon’s establishment of Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational task force, aims to protect against Houthi drone and missile attacks.

This task force reflects the growing global commitment to ensuring the security of this vital maritime route.