India's Red Sea actions seen reflecting aim to be neutral security source

While protecting its own interests, it is also ready to help other parties fend off attacks

- Nirmala Ganapathy

The Indian Navy's increased presence near the Red Sea to protect merchant ships from attacks underscores the country's readiness to step up during a global crisis and be seen as a neutral security provider in the seas, analysts said.

Since October 2023, Houthi rebels have attacked ships passing through the Red Sea - a shipping route that accounts for 12 per cent of global trade with drones and missiles in their support of Palestinians in the war between Israel and Hamas.

Simultaneously, piracy off the coast of Somalia, which had abated under international action, has reappeared, in what is a twin threat to trade from Europe to Asia.

India has reacted quickly to the crisis, deploying 10 warships to boost its presence in the north and central Arabian Sea. It has also deployed two warships in the Gulf of Aden, bordering the Red Sea.

While India is protecting its own shipping interests, it has been quick to respond to more than a dozen rescues, helped douse a fire on a missile-hit ship, checked dozens of vessels and apprehended pirates, as it engages in intelligence sharing with other countries.

India appears to have also put aside its own regional differences in aiding security in these waters.

On Jan 31, the Indian Navy rescued 19 Pakistani nationals on an Iranian-flagged fishing vehicle and detained 11 pirates. India and Pakistan otherwise have poor ties.