India must lead in securing the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, Pg8

Key Highlights:

• Iran has reportedly instructed Houthis to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait if the U.S. attacks Iranian power plants, posing a new threat to global shipping.
• The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is critical for India, as one-third of its total trade passes through this route.
• A similar crisis occurred from November 2023 to March 2024, where Houthis targeted over 40 vessels in the Red Sea, impacting global trade.
• India is urged to lead a naval task force with France and Japan to deter attacks and secure the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

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Detailed Insights:

• The 2024 Red Sea crisis saw Houthis launch drones and missiles, claiming solidarity with Palestinians following the Gaza war.
• In response, the U.S. and allies launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023 to ensure freedom of navigation.
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 2722 was adopted in January 2024, condemning the Houthi attacks.
• The crisis forced over 2,000 ships to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope, delaying imports and causing significant economic losses for Egypt and Israel.
• India previously had to engage Tehran to halt attacks on India-bound ships during the 2024 crisis.
• A new crisis would severely impact India's economy, already reeling from the Strait of Hormuz situation.
• India should proactively engage Egypt and Saudi Arabia, whose economies are also at stake, to secure the Red Sea.
• A proposed "Trade Protection Task Force" would utilize India's Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region for maritime domain awareness.
• This initiative aligns with India's Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) policy, demonstrating its commitment to maritime rules and norms.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Houthis: An Ansarallah group in Yemen that controls significant territory and has engaged in maritime attacks.
• Operation Prosperity Guardian: A U.S.-led multinational security initiative launched in December 2023 to protect shipping in the Red Sea.
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 2722: A resolution adopted in January 2024 condemning Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels.
• Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region: An Indian initiative to enhance maritime domain awareness and information sharing in the Indian Ocean.
• Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR): India's strategic vision for enhanced maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean region.