Task groups made up of destroyers and frigates have been sent out to conduct activities related to maritime security and support merchant vessels in the event of an emergency.
Why is this story important?
Since the Israel-Hamas conflict began in October, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on vital trade lanes in the area. This development coincides with the ongoing hostilities. The gang has additionally shown support for Gaza, which is ravaged by conflict.
On October 7, during its attacks on Israel, Hamas killed almost 1,200 Israelis and captured about 240 others as captives. In response, the Jewish people launched a multifaceted military offensive in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of nearly 20,000 Palestinians to date.
More surveillance is necessary due to recent instances.
According to the Defence Ministry, aerial surveillance by long-range maritime patrol aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) has been improved to have full maritime domain awareness.
Furthermore, the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard are working closely together to achieve efficient monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Central/North Arabian Sea, and other international trade lanes have seen a rise in maritime security incidents on merchant vessels in recent weeks, according to the ministry.
Additional details are revealed by Navy sources.
Reliable sources in the Indian Navy told CNN-News18 that the predator drone has also been used for surveillance purposes in the Arabian Sea.
The source went on to say that Dornier and helicopters have been assigned to maritime security and surveillance.
The Houthis have repeatedly declared that they will attack a any ship that is connected to Israel.
Following an attack on a cargo ship in the Red Sea, three Houthi rebel-operated vessels were sunk by US Navy helicopters on Sunday.
ongoing Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea
In addition to the two vessels that are currently stationed in the area, INS Kolkata and INS Kochi, the navy formally added INS Mormugao on Tuesday.
This deployment occurred just two days after the Pentagon declared that a Houthi drone “fired from Iran” had attacked the Japanese-owned MV Chem Pluto.
The rebels, according to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri, act according to their “own decisions and capabilities.”