[Answered] Analyze the impact of the recent conflicts in the Red Sea region, particularly the Houthi militia’s involvement, on global trade and regional stability. Discuss how these developments could influence India’s foreign policy and maritime security strategy.

The recent involvement of the Houthi militia in the war against Israel has raised concern regarding the region’s stability. This will be critical for nations bordering the Red Sea region which connects the Suez Canal.  The Suez by itself carries nearly 15% of all global trade between the West and the East.

Impact on Global Trade and Regional Stability

• Disruption of the Suez Canal: The Red Sea is an important maritime route, and any hostilities in the area, particularly those carried out by the Houthis, could jeopardize the safety of global shipping. Potential disruptions to the Suez Canal, a vital chokepoint that connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, may have a significant impact on world trade by raising shipping rates and creating delays.
• Humanitarian catastrophe: There is a serious humanitarian catastrophe as a result of the Houthi militia’s involvement in the Yemeni conflict. The fighting has caused regional instability that extends to neighbouring nations and has wider ramifications for the political and economic stability of the Middle East.
• Oil Transit: With oil tankers traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb strait, the Red Sea is also essential for the transit of oil. Price variations in the global oil market could result from any disruptions or security threats in this area.

Influence on India’s Foreign Policy

• Energy Security: Because of its heavy reliance on Middle Eastern energy resources, India may have energy security issues in the event of a disruption in the Red Sea region.
• Collaboration against Terrorism: The Houthi movement has been charged with having connections to Iran. India may coordinate its foreign policy with measures to address the underlying causes of the conflict and work with international partners on counterterrorism projects, given that it is a nation concerned with maintaining regional peace and combating terrorism.
• Diplomatic Engagement: India may support international mediation efforts and push for diplomatic channels as a means of resolving regional problems, such as those in the Red Sea.

Maritime Security Strategy

• Naval Presence: To safeguard its economic interests and guarantee the security of maritime routes, India may increase its naval presence in the Indian Ocean due to its strategic location. To handle security issues in the Red Sea and its environs, this might entail stepping up patrols and collaborating with foreign fleets. Eg, Operation Sankalp.
• Diplomatic Initiatives: India may take up diplomatic measures to support Red Sea region stability. This might be taking part in international forums, lending support to initiatives aimed at resolving conflicts and pushing for amicable settlements of local conflicts.
• Relief Work: India has a track record of taking part in relief work. India may support global efforts to help impacted populations in the Yemeni crisis by contributing humanitarian aid.

Conclusion

India’s foreign policy response is likely to be multifaceted, focusing on diplomatic initiatives, economic diversification, and a strategic naval presence to safeguard its interests in the region.