India must lead in securing the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb
This opinion piece argues that India must take proactive leadership to prevent a shipping crisis in the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, following reports that Iran has instructed Houthi forces to close the strait if the US attacks Iranian power plants. The author warns that such a closure would threaten one-third of India's trade, compounding economic damage from the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis. Recalling the 2023-2024 Red Sea crisis when Houthis attacked over 40 vessels, the article notes that the current situation is more unpredictable due to US focus on Iran and UN Security Council divisions. The author recommends India build a naval taskforce with France and Japan, which maintain bases in Djibouti, and engage Egypt and Saudi Arabia, whose economies are now at stake. The piece emphasizes that Indian seafarers' safety and global shipping routes are at risk.
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