India asserts non-involvement in Red Sea initiatives amid Houthi threat and maritime concerns

India has unequivocally stated its exclusion from any multilateral initiatives in or around the Red Sea, addressing growing concerns over drone attacks targeting merchant ships. Arindam Bagchi, the Spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasized the nation's commitment to the free movement of commercial shipping, revealing ongoing evaluations of the situation in the region. He underscored that while India is coordinating with other nations, it presently refrains from participating in any global initiative related to the Red Sea. 

Amid an alarming surge in drone attacks, India has strategically deployed four warships—INS Chennai, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata—in its exclusive economic zone in the Arabian Sea to establish a deterrence presence. Bagchi highlighted that India's defence forces are actively implementing necessary measures to ensure maritime security. However, he reiterated that India, at this juncture, is not officially engaged in any multilateral operation in or around the Red Sea. 

India's strategic response to maritime threats 

As drone attacks on merchant ships, including the Liberian-flagged MV Chem Pluto and Gabon-flagged MV Sai Baba, both with a substantial Indian crew, raise concerns, the Indian Navy has initiated investigations. Initial findings confirm that a drone was responsible for the attack on MV Chem Pluto. While the US attributes the attacks to Iran-backed Houthi rebels, Tehran has vehemently denied any involvement. 

In response to the escalating threats, India has deployed additional assets, including P8I Aircraft, Dorniers, Sea Guardian drones, helicopters, and coast guard ships, to collectively counter potential threats in the region.  

Proactive measures and international collaborations   

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the commissioning of the INS Imphal, underscored India's commitment to heightened sea surveillance and pledged rigorous actions against those responsible for the attacks, even from the seabed.

As the situation in the Red Sea intensifies, prompting the United States to establish a naval coalition named Operation Prosperity Guardian, India maintains its vigilant stance. Greece has joined this task force, which already includes the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain. The coalition aims to counter and mitigate emerging threats in the strategically crucial Red Sea. 

In the face of the global community's concerted efforts to safeguard maritime security in the region, India upholds its vigilant stance, contributing to the collective response against potential threats to global commerce and the free movement of commercial shipping in the strategically crucial Red Sea.