Present challenges in the Red Sea-The stormy Red Sea

Source: The post challenges in the Red Sea has been created on the article “The stormy Red Sea, the complexities of global events” published in “The Hindu” on 18th December 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- International relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, & GS paper3- Security- terrorism

News:  This article discusses the security challenges in the Red Sea region, including the involvement of the Hamas (Palestinian based) and Houthi militia (Yemen based) and its impact on global trade and Asian economies. It also highlights the growing role of non-state militant actors in shaping geopolitical dynamics.

Background

In October, Hamas attacked Israel, shaking regional stability. The Iran-aligned Houthi militia responded by joining the conflict, supporting Gaza. They are targeting all the ships travelling through Red Sea, which has association with Israel. This involvement threatened the Red Sea’s critical waterways, linked to the Suez Canal, vital for 15% of global trade.

What are the challenges in the Red Sea?

Strengthening of militant:

1. a) Houthi Aggression– The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have intensified their attacks in the Red Sea, targeting commercial vessels, particularly those with Israeli affiliations.
2. b) Enhanced Missile Capability- The Houthis have significantly upgraded their military arsenal, now possessing a variety of missiles, including long-range ones, and other advanced weaponry like torpedoes.
3. c) The growing political and military influence of non-state actors like the Houthis highlights the growing impact of such groups on regional stability and security.

Escalating Military Presence:

1. a) U.S. Involvement: The U.S. has deployed military assets, including longer-range drones and missiles, in response to the Houthi threat.
2. b) Call for International Cooperation: The U.S. urges the formation of a multinational task force to protect the Bab al-Mandad Strait, underscoring the strategic importance of securing this critical waterway.

What are the implications of these challenges?

Global Trade Disruptions: The Red Sea’s instability affects crucial trade routes, impacting global economies, especially since nearly 15% of global trade passes through.

Rising Tensions: The involvement of multiple nations, including the U.S., Saudi Arabia, and Iran, leads to heightened regional tensions.

Energy Security Concerns: With the Red Sea being a key route for oil and gas shipments, disruptions pose significant risks to energy security, particularly for Asian economies reliant on these imports.

What should be done to address them?

Multinational Military Collaboration: Inspired by the U.S. initiative, a multinational task force is needed to secure the Red Sea, particularly around strategic points like the Bab al-Mandad Strait.

Balanced Diplomatic Approaches: Considering Riyadh’s call for restraint and ongoing talks with the Houthis, diplomatic efforts, like those observed in the Saudi-Iran détente brokered by China, are essential.

Enhanced Naval Protection: Following the example of India’s Operation Sankalp, which began in 2019 to escort India-flagged ships, other nations should bolster their naval presence to safeguard commercial shipping.

Acknowledging Non-State Actors’ Roles: Recognizing the increasing military capabilities of groups like the Houthis, strategies must adapt to consider the influence of non-state actors in the region’s stability.

For information on India’s Operation Sankalp read here

Question for practice:

Examine the security challenges in the Red Sea region and their impact on global trade and Asian economies.