Want to address freedom of navigation in Red Sea region, says MEA
| 2024-02-02
Representative image.
It's a matter of concern for not just India, but several international players, says MEA
India wants to address freedom of navigation in the Red Sea region and has been in touch with several other countries on this matter, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday (February 1 2024).
"It's a matter of concern for not just us, but several international players. We have been discussing this matter with our interlocutors, the United States; France, French President was here; with Iran when our External Affairs Minister travelled there; also with President of UAE when he was here," MEA Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at the weekly media briefing.
He was responding to a question on whether India would align with international forces in containing the Houthi militants in the Red Sea. "We want to address freedom of navigation and as to how we can secure these lanes," Jaiswal added.
He also pointed out that the Indian Navy is active in this area, in the Gulf of Aden, and in the Arabian Sea. "They have been providing support and succour to several vessels, not just Indians, but of other nations as well; and of course, supporting Indian sailors on them, which has been widely reported and also widely appreciated," Jaiswal stated.
Responding to another question, the MEA Official Spokesperson said India was not part of any multilateral platform or organization. "However, we are keeping an eye on the situation there. There is a situation there today, which may change tomorrow. So, this is our perspective on this matter," he explained.
The Red Sea and Arabian Sea regions have seen several attacks on shipping lines in the past few months amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Indian Navy has deployed its assets in the region to provide protection to and respond to attacks on shipping lines.
Last month, the Indian Navy said it responded swiftly to a distress call and INS Visakhapatnam provided timely assistance to the Marshall Island-flagged merchant vessel MV Genco Picardy, which came under a drone attack in the Gulf of Aden on the night of January 17, 2024.
Earlier in January, Indian Navy Marine Commandos successfully rescued 21 crew members of the Liberian-flagged MV Lila Norfolk in the North Arabian Sea, reaffirming India's commitment to maritime security and the protection of international shipping lanes from piracy and terrorist threats.
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