Grey-zone attacks, like the one on India-bound merchant vessel MV Chem Pluto, are difficult for democratic nations to respond to. There is always the risk of escalation.
The Iran-backed Houthi militants of Yemen have been attacking commercial ships in the Red Sea — a gateway to the trade-critical Suez Canal. This has a direct bearing on India’s energy security.
With Red Sea, critical to enter and exit Suez Canal, under attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, exporters are having to pay more than double to send goods to Middle East, Europe & US.
Attack is believed to be a spillover from Red Sea crisis, where Yemen-based Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial ships they suspect to be heading to or from Israel.
As Houthis attack ships in Red Sea in solidarity with Palestine, shippers are considering alternative routes. Delay in oil supplies to India could force it to buy more from Middle East.
UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles & Spain were among nations involved in the Red Sea security operation, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said.
India’s defence sector is trying to penetrate the African market. But with China already extending significant influence, India must now play catch-up.
Discussion about outcome of Lok Sabha polls continues to boil in cauldron of expectations only from BJP. Now reverse this equation, what if we asked about the performance of the 'loser'?
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