U.S Invites India To Join Naval Coalition Operation Prosperity Guardian

India has received an invitation from the United States to take part in Operation Prosperity Guardian, a multinational naval alliance designed to counter the increasing dangers posed by Houthi terrorists from Yemen in the Red Sea. Coordinated by the Combined Maritime Forces, the initiative aims to safeguard international commercial channels and guarantee maritime security, as these areas have recently been significant targets for Houthi strikes.

Since November, Houthi rebel attacks on ships navigating the Red Sea have forced maritime corporations to divert their vessels from this vital commerce route. The Houthi group made it clear that it intended to attack Israeli-affiliated vessels as payback for Israel’s military actions in Gaza. MV Chem Pluto and MV Sai Baba, two ships with ties to India, were notably struck by drones around the end of December.

The participation of countries including the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain in Operation Prosperity Guardian has been confirmed by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. When contacted by Mint for comments, a US embassy spokeswoman underlined the need for more extensive international action in response to these instances, even though over 40 nations have joined the US in denouncing the Houthi attacks.

The embassy declined to comment on particular talks about this topic between the US and India. Former Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated that India is very interested in facilitating the free flow of commercial shipping. In December, Bagchi referred to earlier correspondence regarding the task force.

Despite being a part of the Combined Maritime Forces, India has hesitated to accept the US invitation to participate in Operation Prosperity Guardian. Like France, Spain, and Italy, India would rather keep its naval presence in the region than join a marine coalition led by the US to counter the Houthi attacks. According to experts, India may be concerned about a possible escalation of hostilities after the US naval forces intervened.

Reference: Mint

U.S Invites India To Join Naval Coalition Operation Prosperity Guardian appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News