Houthi Rebels’ Impact on Indian Maritime Security

The recent attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have significant implications for India’s maritime security and trade:

1. Impact on India’s Maritime Trade:

India has a substantial amount of trade, worth $200 billion, passing through the Suez-Red Sea route. The Houthi attacks pose a direct threat to this vital trade route.

2. Recent Attacks and Indian Response:

The attacks, including the heli-borne seizing of an India-bound merchant ship, highlight new maritime security challenges.
The Indian Navy has responded by deploying guided missile destroyers (INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, INS Kolkata) and P8I aircraft for surveillance.

3. Concerns Over Safety and Costs:

The attacks have raised concerns about the safety of merchant vessels, particularly those with Indian crew members.
The Indian Navy is actively monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Coast Guard and other agencies.

4. Economic Implications:

The attacks could lead to increased shipping insurance rates and compel ships to avoid these waters, affecting India’s trade.
The redirection of shipping routes adds to transportation and insurance costs.

5. Global and Regional Cooperation:

The US has proposed a multinational naval force, ‘Operation Prosperity Guardian’, to secure the Red Sea route.
Maritime observers suggest India should collaborate with maritime partners to protect merchant marines.

6. Advancements in Naval Defense:

The Indian Navy is advised to expedite the induction of indigenous counter-drone systems.
Protecting offshore assets, including oil rigs, against drone attacks is increasingly important.

7. Rising Threat of Drone Warfare:

The situation mirrors global trends in warfare transformation, as seen in conflicts like the Ukraine war.
The use of kamikaze drones is identified as a serious emerging threat to maritime security.

The situation underscores the evolving nature of maritime threats and the need for enhanced security measures to protect vital trade routes and national interests.

SRIRAM’s