Context: Recently, the Defence Minister of India raised concerns over emerging threats in Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, emphasising on capacity building of the Navy.
Relevance of the Topic- Mains: Detailed questions on threats to Indian maritime security in the Indian ocean.
Potential threats in Gulf of Aden and Red Sea
| Threats with Examples | Impacts on India |
| Maritime attack: Armed groups, particularly the Houthi rebels in Yemen have been targeting vessels. E.g., In November 2022, Houthi rebels targeted commercial tankers in the Red sea. | These attacks either force Indian vessels to take a long route through the Cape of Good Hope or lead to hike in vessel insurance premium making shipping operation expensive. |
| Piracy: Notorious piracy of vessels in Somalian waters continues to harass ships, leading to extortion. E.g., Indian ship MV Albedo case. | Piracy threatens Indian crew’s safety and increases cost of shipping leading to potential for significant economic loss. |
| Geopolitical tensions: Presence of multiple naval forces near Gulf of Aden make it susceptible to regional instability. E.g., Djibouti Naval Base of China. | Such militarisation challenges India’s aspirations to maintain a balance of power and secure its trade interests. |
| Smuggling activities: The region serves as a transit point for illegal arms, drugs, and human trafficking. E.g., Iran-backed armed smuggling route through the Gulf of Aden to support Houthis. | Such activities may increase the instability in the region impacting diaspora and trade interests. |
| Terrorism: Terrorist groups operating in regions like Al-Qaeda threaten regional security. E.g., USS Cole Bombing case by terrorist groups. | Indian vessels could become collateral damage or direct targets, leading to human and economic losses. |
Significance of West Indian Ocean region (WIOR) for India
- Energy security:
- Over 60% of India’s oil imports pass through the West Indian Ocean region, making it critical to energy security.
- Oil and Mineral resources- make the region critical for energy security.
- Huge deposits of natural gas in the region (Gulf Region)
- Abundance of deep-sea minerals like cobalt and nickel.
- Trade continuity: The Gulf of Aden and Red Sea are present near the major choke points named Bab-el Mandeb and Suez canal, making it critical for connectivity of India to Europe.
- National security: The region is crucial for securing the Indian maritime border and reducing threats like 26/11 attacks via maritime route.
- Geopolitical significance: The region is key to establishing harmonious relations with nations like Yemen, Djibouti, and Oman.
- Strategic Interests: India seeks access to key facilities (Duqm port in Oman ) in WIOR to counter China’s growing influence (military base in Djibouti).
- Diaspora safety: Indian diaspora especially the labour and medical staff is deployed in Middle-east nations. Gulf of Aden and Red Sea stability will enhance the safety of the diaspora.
- Disaster Management: WIOR is prone to frequent cyclones and oil spills, management of which requires cooperation with other WIOR littoral countries.
Way Forward
- Enhancing Naval presence: India should focus on increasing naval presence in the region. India can try collaborative efforts with the nations in the region. E.g., Daqm port of Oman.
- Capacity building of Navy: India should add frigates and caveats to the Navy to secure the region. Also, collaboration should be cond between Coast Guard and Indian Navy. E.g., SAGAR exercise between Navy and Coast Guard.
- International collaboration: India should make a common center for monitoring the region by bringing nations together over maritime security. E.g., Indian Ocean Maritime symposium to collaborate over maritime security and regional growth.
- Collaborative monitoring: A common monitoring of the region along with all the stakeholders to foster the synchronisation among naval powers. E.g., Information Fusion Center- Indian Ocean Region.
By adopting a multifaceted approach that combines military readiness, diplomatic initiatives, and international cooperation, India can effectively address the evolving threats in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, ensuring the security of its maritime interests.