India must lead in securing the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb amid new threats
This editorial highlights a new threat to global shipping in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, following Iran's reported instruction to Houthis to close the Strait if the U.S. attacks Iran's power plants. It draws parallels with the 2024 Red Sea crisis, where Houthi attacks disrupted global shipping, forcing vessels to reroute and impacting economies. The article emphasizes that this new situation is more unpredictable, with potential dire consequences for India's economy, which is already reeling from the Strait of Hormuz crisis. It proposes that India, in collaboration with France and Japan, should proactively build a naval taskforce to deter attacks and secure the Strait, ensuring "freedom of navigation" and "respect for maritime rules and norms."
Key Points
- A new threat to shipping in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, potentially involving Houthi attacks, poses significant risks to global trade.
- The situation is compared to the 2024 Red Sea crisis, which caused major disruptions and economic impacts.
- India's economy would be severely affected, especially after the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
- India should collaborate with France and Japan to form a naval taskforce to secure the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb.
- The proposed taskforce would ensure "freedom of navigation" and uphold maritime rules, contributing to regional security.
Exam Facts
- Strait of Bab el-Mandeb: Between Yemen and the Horn of Africa
- Strait of Hormuz: Between Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman
- Operation Prosperity Guardian: Launched by U.S. and allies (Dec 2023) in response to Red Sea attacks
- UN Security Council Resolution 2722: Adopted Jan 2024
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