WASHINGTON, DC (Diya TV) — In a bid to counter the escalating Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, the US has expressed its eagerness for enhanced collaboration with India in safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region. The development unfolded during a conversation between US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on January 12.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the shared concerns over the reckless Houthi attacks, characterizing them as threats to the free flow of commerce, endangering mariners, and violating international law. Blinken highlighted the Red Sea’s significance as a major commercial corridor facilitating international trade and welcomed increased cooperation with India to defend freedom of navigation.
The talks come amid retaliatory strikes by the US and British militaries targeting a dozen sites used by the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. The strikes, including logistical hubs, air defense systems, and weapons storage locations, represent a response to ongoing drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since November 2023, attributed to the Houthi group.
Jaishankar, in a social media post, expressed appreciation for Blinken’s insights on the West Asia situation, particularly Gaza. The leaders discussed the Israel-Hamas conflict, efforts to prevent escalation, and ways to enhance humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza.
The Houthi group, backed by Iran, has been engaged in a civil war in Yemen against a coalition supported by Saudi Arabia. Their actions in the Red Sea prompted commercial shippers to redirect vessels around the southern tip of Africa.
In addition to maritime security, the conversation addressed developments related to the Ukraine conflict. Both nations expressed a commitment to realizing an extensive cooperation agenda in 2024.
This dialogue between the US and India signifies a strategic alignment to counter the Houthi threat and promote regional stability. The designation of the Houthi group as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, including the US and Saudi Arabia, underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts to address the escalating situation in the Red Sea.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the partnership between the US and India emerges as a crucial element in addressing maritime security challenges and fostering stability in critical regions. The outcome of these discussions reflects a commitment to proactive cooperation, highlighting the global community’s collective responsibility in responding to emerging threats.
