India has significantly escalated its naval presence in the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Aden, deploying over a dozen warships to counter a resurgence of piracy, especially amidst shifting Western focus towards Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi conflict. This marks India’s largest deployment in the region, with two frontline warships in the Gulf of Aden and more than ten in the Arabian Sea, supplemented by surveillance aircraft.
In the last two months, the Indian Navy has inspected over 250 vessels, including small boats, with special commandos boarding more than 40. This action follows an alarming rise in piracy incidents, with at least 17 cases of hijacking or attempted hijacking reported since December 1.
Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized India’s growing role in regional stability, highlighting the need to respond to crises in neighboring areas. The Navy’s operations have included rescue missions for Iranian and Sri Lankan fishing vessels and assistance to merchant ships near India’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Despite other countries’ naval forces in the region, including the United States, France, and China, India’s independent stance is notable. The increase in piracy, exploiting the diverted attention towards the Red Sea, underscores the significance of India’s maritime security efforts. This approach reflects India’s commitment to safeguarding regional waters and demonstrating its capability as a stabilizing force in maritime security.
