New Delhi/Washington D.C. – In a recent diplomatic exchange, India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in discussions on shared concerns regarding the reckless Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The talks, held to address the escalating maritime security challenges in the region, emphasized the need for collaboration in defending the free flow of commerce and ensuring the safety of innocent mariners.
According to US State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller, the nature of the Houthi attacks, characterized by their recklessness and violations of international law, was a critical focal point of the dialogue. The attacks pose a significant threat to the major commercial corridor of the Red Sea, which facilitates international trade. Both leaders recognized the importance of increased cooperation between India and the US to safeguard freedom of navigation in the region.
“The Secretary emphasized the Red Sea is a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade and welcomed increased cooperation with India in defending freedom of navigation in the region,” stated Miller.
The discussions between Jaishankar and Blinken went beyond maritime security, extending to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The leaders explored concerted efforts to prevent further escalation of the conflict and considered avenues for enhancing the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
External Affairs Minister Jaishankar shared insights from the talks through a social media post, highlighting the focus on maritime security challenges, especially in the Red Sea region. He expressed appreciation for Secretary Blinken’s perspectives on the ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on developments related to the Ukraine conflict.
The discussions unfolded against the backdrop of a significant retaliatory strike by the US and British militaries targeting a dozen sites used by the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. The military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems, and weapons storage locations. This marked the first U.S. military response to the persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships, a campaign that has been ongoing since the Israel-Hamas conflict began.
The diplomatic talks underscored the need for international cooperation to address the challenges posed by the Houthi attacks, ensuring maritime security and upholding the principles of freedom of navigation.
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