Maritime Security Architecture and Western Indian Ocean: India’s Stakes

In the wake of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden have become focal points due to escalating attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on merchant ships since November 2023. 

Despite piracy's decline in the Western Indian Ocean, Houthi actions, including drone and rocket attacks, signal a resurgence of maritime threats. These assaults, purportedly in solidarity with Palestinians, have led major shipping companies to halt trade, underscoring the urgent need for maritime security.

Traditionally, piracy off Somalia's coast dominated maritime security concerns, but new challenges like drug trafficking and illicit fishing have emerged. Houthi attacks with drones and missiles represent a shift toward asymmetric naval warfare. Although the US and UK have targeted Houthi sites in Yemen, attacks persist, revealing the region's reliance on a few naval powers like the EU, US, and India.

Despite a growing number of regional institutions responsible for maritime security, coordination remains fragmented. The Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia (CGPCS) and Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) mechanism lack a centralized authority, hindering effective response. Downscaling of piracy-focused groups with the decline in piracy highlights this gap.

India, recognizing the Gulf of Aden's significance for trade, has deployed warships to deter Houthi piracy and drone strikes. A recent successful rescue operation underscores India's commitment to maritime security. However, India has not joined the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian, opting for independent action or UN coordination.

The geopolitical turmoil's impact on Indian shipping raises concerns about increased transportation costs and potential export losses. Nevertheless, India sees an opportunity to assert itself as a maritime leader, prioritising stability and peace. Initiatives like joint maritime cooperation agreements with Kenya and Tanzania demonstrate India's proactive role in shaping the region's security architecture.

Source: IDSA