Red Sea Tensions And Indias Operation Sankalp

In 2025, the Red Sea remains a hotbed of international tension, fueled by the ongoing conflict involving Houthi rebels in Yemen and regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for global trade, particularly for oil shipments, intensifies these conflicts. In response, the Indian Navy has launched 'Operation Sankalp' to safeguard Indian vessels traversing the area.

Navigating the Storm: India's Operation Sankalp in the Red Sea

The Red Sea, a vibrant artery of global commerce, has once again become a theater of geopolitical tension. In 2025, the conflict, primarily driven by the actions of Houthi rebels in Yemen, has escalated, posing a significant threat to international shipping and, consequently, global trade. The Indian Navy's deployment of 'Operation Sankalp' is a direct response to this volatile situation, reflecting India's commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring the safety of its vessels in a region of increasing instability. This article delves into the complexities of the Red Sea conflict, the strategic imperatives driving India's actions, and the broader implications for regional and international security.

The Strategic Significance of the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait

The Red Sea's importance is rooted in its geographical position, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal. This makes it a vital route for trade between Asia, Europe, and North America. The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a narrow waterway at the southern end of the Red Sea, acts as a critical chokepoint. This strait, flanked by Yemen to the east and Djibouti and Eritrea to the west, is a crucial passage for approximately 10% of global trade, including a significant portion of the world's oil shipments.

The strategic value of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait is undeniable. Control over this waterway allows any actor to exert considerable influence over global trade flows and potentially disrupt the supply of essential goods, particularly energy resources. Any disruption to the flow of traffic through this strait can have far-reaching economic consequences, impacting global energy prices, supply chains, and overall economic stability. The very nature of a chokepoint, a narrow passage, makes it inherently vulnerable to disruption, whether through military action, piracy, or other forms of asymmetric warfare.

The importance of the Red Sea extends beyond economics. The region is strategically significant for various global powers, making it a focal point for geopolitical competition. The presence of naval bases and the strategic location of key countries bordering the Red Sea make it a region of great strategic interest. The control of this waterway is not merely about trade; it also signifies power projection, influence, and the ability to shape events in a strategically vital region.

The Houthi Insurgency and Regional Dynamics

The current instability in the Red Sea is inextricably linked to the ongoing conflict in Yemen, primarily involving the Houthi rebels. The Houthis, a Shia Islamist political and armed group, emerged in the 1990s in northern Yemen. They have been in a protracted conflict with the Yemeni government, which has, in turn, drawn in regional powers. The Houthis' grievances stem from a complex set of factors, including political marginalization, economic disparities, and religious differences.

The conflict intensified in 2014 when the Houthis seized control of the capital, Sana'a, and other parts of Yemen. This led to a military intervention by a Saudi Arabia-led coalition in 2015, aiming to restore the internationally recognized Yemeni government. The UAE has also been a significant player in this coalition. The conflict has evolved into a multi-faceted war, with numerous actors vying for influence.

The Houthis, with their strategic location along the Red Sea coast, have used this position to launch attacks on commercial shipping and military vessels, effectively disrupting the flow of trade and increasing the risks associated with navigating the waterway. They have employed various tactics, including missile attacks, drone strikes, and the use of naval mines. These actions are not only aimed at military targets but also at disrupting the economic interests of Saudi Arabia and its allies.

The involvement of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the conflict is driven by their desire to counter the Houthis, who they perceive as proxies of Iran. The conflict has become a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran, reflecting the broader geopolitical rivalry between the two regional powers. The stakes are high, as the outcome of the conflict could significantly impact the balance of power in the region and influence the security environment of the Red Sea.

The complexity of the conflict is further compounded by the involvement of various other actors, including the United States, which has provided support to the Saudi-led coalition, and international organizations trying to mediate a resolution. The presence of these multiple players and their competing interests make the conflict particularly intractable. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with widespread food insecurity, displacement, and destruction of infrastructure.

Operation Sankalp: India's Response

In response to the escalating threats to maritime security in the Red Sea, the Indian Navy launched 'Operation Sankalp'. This operation is a clear demonstration of India's commitment to protecting its maritime interests and ensuring the safety of Indian vessels in the region. The primary objective of Operation Sankalp is to provide security to Indian-flagged merchant vessels transiting through the Red Sea, and the adjacent Gulf of Aden.

The Indian Navy's actions include deploying warships, aircraft, and surveillance assets to monitor the situation and provide security escort to Indian vessels. The specific assets deployed may include guided-missile destroyers, frigates, and patrol vessels, along with maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters. These assets are equipped with advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and weapons systems to deter potential threats and respond to any attacks.

Operation Sankalp is a reflection of India's broader maritime security strategy in the Indian Ocean region. India has a vested interest in maintaining the freedom of navigation and ensuring the safety and security of sea lanes of communication (SLOCs). The Red Sea, as a key artery for global trade, falls within this strategic framework. India's economic interests, including trade and energy security, are heavily dependent on the smooth flow of goods and services through this region.

The launch of Operation Sankalp also underscores India's growing role as a responsible maritime power. India has a long history of participating in international efforts to combat piracy and ensure maritime security. By deploying naval assets to protect its vessels in the Red Sea, India is contributing to the overall stability of the region and demonstrating its commitment to upholding international law and norms.

India's approach to the Red Sea conflict is multifaceted. While Operation Sankalp focuses on protecting Indian vessels, India also emphasizes the need for a diplomatic solution to the conflict. India has been engaging with regional and international partners to promote dialogue and de-escalation. This involves working with countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran to find common ground and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The deployment of naval assets under Operation Sankalp carries both benefits and limitations. On the positive side, it provides a visible deterrent to potential aggressors and reassures Indian shipowners and crews. It also allows the Indian Navy to gather valuable intelligence on the evolving security situation. However, the operation also has limitations. The Indian Navy's resources are finite, and its ability to provide security to all Indian vessels is constrained. Furthermore, the operation is focused on protecting Indian vessels, and its scope is limited by international law and the need to avoid escalating the conflict.

Key Terms and Concepts

Understanding the terminology surrounding the Red Sea conflict is critical to grasping the complexities of the situation. Several key terms and concepts are central to analyzing the events unfolding in the region:

• Bab el-Mandeb Strait: As previously discussed, this is a strategically vital chokepoint at the southern end of the Red Sea. Its control is crucial for global trade, particularly for oil shipments. Any disruption in this area can have significant economic consequences. The Bab el-Mandeb's narrowness and strategic location make it a prime target for attacks and a point of contention for various actors in the conflict.

• Operation Sankalp: This is the Indian Navy's operational deployment to protect Indian vessels in the Red Sea. It signifies India's commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring the safety of its ships. It is also a demonstration of India's capability to project power and influence in the region.

• Houthi Rebels: This Shia militant group, primarily based in Yemen, is a central actor in the Red Sea conflict. Their actions, including attacks on shipping, directly affect the safety and security of the Red Sea and global trade. Understanding their motives, capabilities, and affiliations is crucial to analyzing the conflict.

• Chokepoint: A chokepoint is a narrow passage, such as a strait, where traffic can become congested or blocked. Control of chokepoints allows for the potential disruption of trade and the exercise of leverage by those who control them. The Bab el-Mandeb is a prime example of a chokepoint.

• Freedom of Navigation: This is the principle of international law that allows ships of all nations to navigate freely on the high seas. The Red Sea is a waterway where freedom of navigation is essential for global trade. Protecting freedom of navigation is a key objective of Operation Sankalp.

• Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs): These are the primary shipping routes used for international trade. The Red Sea is a critical SLOC, connecting the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea. Protecting SLOCs is vital for the global economy and a key strategic interest for many countries, including India.

  Advertisement

Legal and International Frameworks

The Indian Navy's actions in the Red Sea are governed by international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). UNCLOS, adopted in 1982, provides a comprehensive legal framework for all uses of the oceans and their resources. Key provisions of UNCLOS are relevant to Operation Sankalp:

• Right of Innocent Passage: This allows vessels of all nations to transit through territorial waters, provided they do not engage in activities that threaten the peace, good order, or security of the coastal state. The Indian Navy must respect the right of innocent passage when operating in the territorial waters of Yemen or other countries bordering the Red Sea.
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ): Coastal states have sovereign rights over their EEZs, which extend 200 nautical miles from their coastlines. The Indian Navy must operate within the bounds of international law, respecting the EEZs of coastal states.
• High Seas: The high seas are beyond the jurisdiction of any state. The Indian Navy has the right to operate on the high seas, but it must also adhere to the principles of freedom of navigation and international law.

In addition to UNCLOS, other international laws and conventions are relevant, including those related to maritime security, counter-terrorism, and the laws of armed conflict. The Indian Navy must operate in accordance with these laws and conventions, ensuring that its actions are legitimate and proportionate.

The legal framework also includes international conventions and treaties related to the safety of navigation, such as the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). These conventions set standards for ship construction, equipment, and operation, as well as the responsibilities of states to ensure maritime safety.

The legal framework governing the Red Sea conflict is complex, involving international law, regional agreements, and the laws of war. Understanding these frameworks is essential for evaluating the legality and legitimacy of the actions taken by various actors, including the Indian Navy.

Historical Precedents

Examining historical precedents can provide valuable insights into the potential consequences of the Red Sea conflict and the challenges faced by India and other actors in the region.

• Tanker War (1980s): The Iran-Iraq War in the 1980s witnessed the "Tanker War" in the Persian Gulf, where both sides attacked commercial shipping, including oil tankers. This conflict led to significant disruptions in global trade, increased insurance costs, and international naval deployments. The Tanker War highlights the vulnerability of oil shipments and the economic consequences of attacks on commercial shipping. It serves as a reminder of the potential for the Red Sea conflict to escalate and disrupt global trade.

• Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Somali Coast: The rise of piracy off the coast of Somalia in the early 2000s demonstrated the challenges of maintaining maritime security in a region with weak governance and instability. The international community responded with naval deployments, including contributions from India, to combat piracy. This experience provides lessons on the importance of international cooperation, the complexities of dealing with non-state actors, and the need for a multi-pronged approach involving naval patrols, intelligence gathering, and capacity-building for regional states.

• The Suez Crisis (1956): The Suez Crisis, involving Egypt, Israel, the United Kingdom, and France, demonstrated the strategic importance of the Suez Canal and the potential for conflict to disrupt global trade. The crisis led to the closure of the canal, causing significant economic damage and highlighting the need for international cooperation to ensure the freedom of navigation.

These historical precedents offer valuable lessons for India and other actors involved in the Red Sea conflict. They underscore the importance of international cooperation, the need for a comprehensive approach to maritime security, and the potential for conflict to escalate and disrupt global trade.

Stakeholder Positions and Interests

Understanding the positions and underlying interests of various stakeholders is crucial to analyzing the Red Sea conflict and India's response.

• India: India's official position is to ensure the safety and security of Indian vessels and protect its economic interests in the region. Underlying interests include protecting trade routes, access to energy resources, and maintaining its image as a responsible maritime power. Actions taken include the deployment of naval assets, launching Operation Sankalp, and engaging in diplomatic efforts to promote de-escalation.

  Advertisement

• Houthi Rebels: The Houthi rebels' official position is to exert control over the Red Sea and challenge the influence of Saudi Arabia and its allies. Underlying interests include gaining political and military leverage, potentially disrupting the flow of trade to pressure their adversaries. Actions taken include attacks on commercial shipping and military vessels, and potentially using the threat to gain concessions.

• Saudi Arabia and UAE: The official position of Saudi Arabia and the UAE is to counter the Houthis and maintain stability in the region. Underlying interests include protecting their economic interests, regional dominance, and countering Iranian influence. Actions taken include military intervention in Yemen and supporting counter-Houthi operations.

• Iran: Iran supports the Houthis and has an interest in challenging the influence of Saudi Arabia and its allies. Actions taken include providing support to the Houthis, which is often considered a proxy war.

• United States: The United States supports Saudi Arabia and its allies and has an interest in maintaining stability in the region. Actions taken include providing military support and intelligence to the Saudi-led coalition.

Each stakeholder has different objectives and motivations, which contribute to the complexity of the conflict. Understanding these positions is essential for analyzing the dynamics of the conflict and the potential for resolution.

Broader Implications

The Red Sea conflict has far-reaching implications, extending beyond the immediate security concerns.

• Political Implications: The conflict exacerbates regional tensions and increases the potential for proxy conflicts. It could also lead to a further fragmentation of Yemen and undermine regional stability. The involvement of various external actors complicates the political landscape and makes it difficult to achieve a peaceful resolution.

• Diplomatic Implications: The conflict has strained relations between countries involved, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the UAE. India's diplomatic efforts to mediate or de-escalate the situation are crucial, but the complex political dynamics make this a difficult task. The conflict highlights the need for international cooperation to address the underlying causes of the conflict and promote a lasting peace.

• Security Implications: The risk of attacks on commercial shipping has increased, leading to higher insurance costs and potential disruptions to global trade. The potential for escalation to a wider conflict, involving regional and international actors, is a major concern. The conflict also raises concerns about the proliferation of weapons, including missiles and drones, which could be used to target shipping.

• Economic Implications: Disruptions to global trade could lead to increased energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and reduced economic growth. The conflict could also impact tourism and investment in the region. The economic implications are substantial, and a prolonged conflict could have a significant impact on the global economy.

• Environmental Implications: Attacks on oil tankers and other vessels could lead to oil spills and environmental damage. The conflict could also damage coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. The environmental implications of the conflict are a cause for concern and require international cooperation to mitigate the risks.

Connecting the Dots: Context and Outlook

The Red Sea conflict is not an isolated event. It is interconnected with a range of other issues and historical events.

• Related Ongoing Issues: These include the ongoing conflict in Yemen, geopolitical competition between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and India's broader maritime security strategy in the Indian Ocean region. Understanding these interconnected issues is essential for analyzing the conflict.

• Historical Connections: These include the Iran-Iraq War and the Tanker War in the 1980s, and the rise of non-state actors and their impact on maritime security. Learning from past experiences can help inform India's approach to the current conflict.

• Future Outlook: The situation in the Red Sea is likely to remain volatile. India may need to maintain its naval presence and adapt its strategy based on the evolving situation. Further escalation could lead to a wider regional conflict. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict and ensure freedom of navigation will be crucial. The international community must work together to address the underlying causes of the conflict and promote a lasting peace.