In recent high-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea took centre stage. The focus was twofold – addressing the persistent Houthi attacks disrupting the vital shipping route and discussing Israel’s growing need for Indian workers.
The Red Sea turmoil has raised concerns globally, particularly regarding potential impacts on crude oil prices. Concurrently, international sanctions against Israel’s shipping activities are gaining momentum, with Malaysia making a significant move. The decision to ban the Israeli-based ZIM shipping company, along with any vessel under the Israeli flag or bound for Israel, signals a broader trend of restrictions on Israel’s export-import activities.
In a readout put out by the Israeli prime minister’s office: “The two leaders discussed the importance of securing freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb, which is threatened by the aggression of the Houthis, instigated by Iran, and the global interest in preventing attacks on the global economy and trade, as well as the Indian and Israeli economies.
The Indian readout echoed similar concerns, saying that “the two leaders shared concerns regarding the safety of maritime traffic,” underscoring the critical nature of maintaining secure sea routes.
In addition to addressing the Red Sea crisis, the Israeli PM briefed the Indian side about the ongoing situation, concerning the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi restated the need for continued humanitarian aid for the “affected population”, which in this case is the people in Gaza and emphasized an “early and peaceful resolution of the conflict, including the release of all hostages, through dialogue and diplomacy”.
It has been reported previously that India has sent humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza via Egypt. A large-scale counteroffensive initiated by Israel following the Oct 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, has led to a major humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
According to the Israeli readout following the talks between the two leaders, included plans to increase the influx of Indian workers into Israel. The focus is on simplifying the entry process through government-to-government initiatives, specifically targeting sectors like agriculture, construction, and caregiving.
A prior visit by the Israeli foreign minister to India resulted in a framework agreement with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, aimed at facilitating the recruitment of Indian workers for Israel. In response to labour shortages, Israel has temporarily granted its private sector a restricted quota for foreign workers, encompassing 5,000 in agriculture and 10,000 in construction, valid for a three-month duration.
Meanwhile …
Recent reports citing Bloomberg Newswire suggest that the United States and its allies are contemplating military actions against the Houthi forces in Yemen. The Red Sea, a critical passage for approximately 12 per cent of global trade, is witnessing escalating tensions. Houthi militias claim their attacks on ships are in support of Palestinians, prompting US Defense Secretary Austin to introduce `Operation Prosperity Guardians’, a multinational initiative aimed at securing ships in the region.
This coalition, operating under Operation Prosperity Guardians, involves member ships stationed near the Red Sea, ready to respond to potential attacks. As of Monday, the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles, and Spain have joined. The US extended invitations to 39 countries, anticipating additional sign-ups in the coming days.
Notably, China did not receive an invitation to join the coalition, despite its presence in the region.
Retired General Frank McKenzie, the former Commander of US Central Command, asserts that the Houthis, considered a proxy of Iran, seized control through a coup in Yemen several years ago. Gen Frank McKenzie (Ret.) suggests that the Houthi forces initially aimed to attack Israel but, facing difficulties, opted to disrupt maritime communication in the Bab-el-Mandeb area at the southern end of the Red Sea. He emphasizes the importance of intelligence architecture over Bab-el-Mandeb, involving manned and unmanned aircraft, drones, and other surveillance systems to monitor Houthi activities.
Ensuring free passage through Bab-el-Mandeb is of global interest, as nations using the global commons must protect this vital route. The Houthi forces have incrementally upgraded their weaponry, deploying drones and anti-ship missiles to target commercial ships.
In the Persian Gulf region, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, close US allies, differ on the American military plan. The UAE advocates for military action against Yemen’s Ansarullah, seeking a re-designation as “terrorists,” while Riyadh prefers a cautious approach to avoid derailing a fragile truce after years of war in Yemen.
Notably, both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have declared their non-participation in the maritime coalition. Late on Monday, Yemen’s defence minister strongly opposed the coalition, warning of dire consequences for any assault on Yemeni soil and claiming possession of munitions capable of sinking warships, submarines, and aircraft carriers.