Explained: The Houthis, Troubled Waters of the Red Sea, and the Indian Navy

A series of assaults on cargo vessels in the Red Sea by the Houthi militia of Yemen since November has rendered the fastest maritime pathway connecting Asia to Europe through the Suez Canal unsafe. This has compelled cargo ships to opt for a more extended journey around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa, resulting in increased costs and delivery times. This situation has exacerbated the challenges faced by global trade, which is already grappling with the aftermath of the pandemic, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war, and a worldwide economic slowdown.

In response to the attacks, major cargo shipping lines have chosen to cease operations on this route, and even smaller feeder vessels have recently ceased operating in these waters. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations’ Director-General, Ajay Sahai, states that nearly 90% of cargo from the western hemisphere, whether inbound or shipped from India, which previously traversed the Red Sea, is now being redirected through the Cape of Good Hope. Whether destined for Europe, the U.S. East Coast, or North African countries, the longer route is now the preferred option. The remaining 10% of Indian import or export cargo is either at a standstill or utilizing alternative transit facilities.

Deployment by the Indian Navy

To counter piracy threats in the Red Sea, India has deployed a minimum of twelve warships, primarily east of the Red Sea. This move aims to enhance security and address concerns related to attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi militia of Yemen, a focus of Western powers.

Although India has not joined the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian task force in the Red Sea and does not currently have warships in that specific area, it has positioned two frontline warships in the Gulf of Aden and a minimum of ten warships in the northern and western Arabian Sea. Surveillance aircraft also contribute to maritime security efforts.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasized on January 30 that India's increased capability, aligned with its own interests and reputation, necessitates active assistance in challenging situations.

Indian military and defence officials reported that the navy, including special commandos, has inspected over 250 vessels and small boats in the last two months, boarding more than 40. This proactive approach comes in response to the resurgence of piracy, which had been absent for six years. Since December 1, the Indian Navy has recorded at least 17 incidents of hijacking, attempted hijacking, and suspicious approaches.

Highlighting specific operations, the Indian warship INS Sumitra successfully rescued 19 Pakistani crew members from a fishing vessel attacked by pirates off the east coast of Somalia on January 30. INS Sumitra is actively engaged in anti-piracy and maritime security operations in the east of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden. The ship had previously thwarted a piracy attempt on the Iranian fishing vessel Iman on January 29.

In addition, the Indian Navy swiftly responded to a distress call from the commercial container oil tanker MV Marlin Luanda, containing 22 Indian crew members, after it was struck by a missile in the Gulf of Aden. The incident occurred on a key shipping route that had witnessed similar attacks in the past.

Given the escalating attacks on merchant Navy vessels in the Red Sea, the Indian Navy has intensified its deployment in the region to address the security challenges effectively.

Who are the Houthis and why are they attacking ships in the Red Sea?

Tensions are escalating in the Red Sea, a crucial global shipping route, due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Red Sea, spanning nearly 2,000 km, links the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean through the Suez Canal, significantly reducing travel time and resources compared to the pre-1869 route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa.

The Suez Canal, responsible for 9.2 million barrels per day of total oil flows in the first half of 2023, plays a pivotal role in global trade, with approximately 12% depending on it, as stated by Marco Forgione from the Institute of Export & International Trade.

The Houthis claim responsibility for attacking vessels in the Red Sea linked to Israel, protesting against Israel's military actions in Gaza following an October 7 attack by Hamas. The Houthi movement, Ansar Allah, emerged in the 1990s, primarily consisting of Zaidi Shias with leadership from the Houthi tribe.

Despite the US and UK conducting airstrikes in Yemen since January 11, Yemeni attacks persist in the Red Sea. CNN reports the US Department of Defense terming these strikes in Yemen as "Operation Poseidon Archer," distinct from "Operation Prosperity Guardian," a maritime alliance formed by the US and 20 other countries to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

Contrary to its declared stance against regionalizing the Israeli-Gaza conflict, the US, along with the UK, launched airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen on January 11, continuing bombing campaigns. President Joe Biden, acknowledging the limited success of these strikes, affirmed on January 19 their continuation, even at the risk of escalating the Gaza conflict. Additionally, the Biden administration designated the Houthis as a terrorist organization, reversing its February 2021 decision under global pressure.