India Must Secure Bab-el-Mandeb

India Must Secure Bab-el-Mandeb Through Maritime Leadership

Syllabus:

GS-2: Government Policies & Interventions

GS-3: Various Security Forces & Agencies & Their Mandate, Security Challenges & their Management in Border AreasInfrastructure

Why in the News ?

Rising tensions in West Asia have shifted global attention from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb, after reports that Iran directed the Houthis (Ansarallah) to close the strategic waterway if the United States attacked Iranian infrastructure.Since nearly one-third of India’s trade passes through this route, any disruption poses serious risks to India’s trade, energy security, and maritime interests.

India Must Secure Bab-el-Mandeb

Why the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is Strategically Important:

  • The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
  • It connects:

○ Red Sea

○ Gulf of Aden

○ Arabian Sea

○ Indian Ocean

  • It lies between:

○ Yemen (Asian side)

○ Djibouti and Eritrea (Horn of Africa)

  • It provides access to the:

○ Suez Canal

○ Mediterranean Sea

○ European markets

  • Nearly one-third of India’s international trade transits through this route.
  • It is essential for:

○ Global oil shipments.

○ LNG transport.

○ Container shipping.

○ Europe–Asia connectivity.

  • Any blockade would:

○ Increase shipping costs.

○ Delay cargo movement.

○ Raise insurance premiums.

○ Affect global supply chains.

  • The Strait remains a vital pillar of India’s maritime security strategy.

Key points: Strait of Bab el-Mandeb

  • Located between Yemen and the Horn of Africa (Djibouti and Eritrea).
  • Connects:

○ Red Sea

○ Gulf of Aden

  • Provides access to the Suez Canal.
  • One of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
  • Essential route linking Europe, Asia, and Africa.
  • Bab el-Mandeb means “Gate of Tears.”
  • It is a strategic gateway between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Nearly one-third of India’s trade moves through this route.
  • Djibouti hosts military bases of several major powers, including France, Japan, and others.
  • Maritime disruptions here directly affect global trade, energy security, and India’s economic interests.

Important Operations

  • Operation Prosperity Guardian (2023) – U.S.-led multinational mission to safeguard navigation in the Red Sea.
  • Indian Navy Anti-Piracy Operations – Continuous deployment for maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and western Indian Ocean.

International Organisations

  • United Nations Security Council (UNSC)
  • International Maritime Organization (IMO)
  • Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR)

Important Resolution

  • UN Security Council Resolution 2722 (2024)

○ Condemned attacks on merchant vessels.

○ Reaffirmed Freedom of Navigation in the Red Sea.

International Law

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), 1982

  • Guarantees Transit Passage through international straits.
  • Upholds Freedom of Navigation.
  • Protects lawful commercial shipping.
  • Provides the legal framework governing international maritime routes.

Important Indian Maritime Initiatives

  • SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region)
  • Mission-Based Deployments
  • IFC-IOR
  • Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI)

Background: Lessons from the 2023–24 Red Sea Crisis

  • Following the Israel–Hamas conflict in October 2023, the Houthis declared support for Palestine.
  • Between November 2023 and March 2024, they:

○ Attacked over 40 commercial vessels.

○ Targeted ships allegedly linked to Israel.

  • In response:

○ The United States launched Operation Prosperity Guardian (December 2023).

○ The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2722 (2024) supporting freedom of navigation.

○ Israel carried out retaliatory strikes.

  • The Indian Navy rescued the crew of a burning British tanker in January 2024.
  • Consequences included:

○ Nearly 2,000 ships avoiding the Suez Canal.

○ Diversion via the Cape of Good Hope, increasing voyage time and costs.

○ Egypt losing nearly 25% of Suez Canal revenues.

○ Israel’s Port of Eilat suffering severe financial losses.

  • The crisis demonstrated the vulnerability of global maritime trade to regional conflicts.

Emerging Threats and Their Impact on India

  • Reports suggest Iran may encourage the Houthis to block the Strait if conflict with the U.S. escalates.
  • Whether this threat materializes or remains strategic signalling, it creates uncertainty in maritime trade.
  • Potential consequences for India include:

○ Disruption of one-third of India’s external trade.

○ Delays in crude oil and LNG imports.

○ Higher freight and insurance costs.

○ Increased inflation due to supply-chain disruptions.

○ Threats to Indian merchant vessels.

○ Safety concerns for thousands of Indian seafarers.

  • Unlike the Hormuz Strait, imposing restrictions on Indian sailors in Bab el-Mandeb would be impractical due to heavy commercial traffic.
  • India’s economic growth and energy security would therefore be significantly affected.

India’s Strategic Interests in the Red Sea Region

  • India seeks:

○ Freedom of navigation.

○ Secure Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs).

○ Stability in West Asia.

  • India maintains:

○ Strong energy partnerships with Gulf nations.

○ Expanding trade with Europe.

○ Strategic connectivity initiatives.

  • The Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) provides maritime domain awareness.
  • India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) doctrine emphasizes:

○ Regional maritime cooperation.

○ Collective security.

○ Rules-based maritime order.

  • Ensuring uninterrupted navigation through Bab el-Mandeb aligns with India’s aspiration to become a leading maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region.

Proposed Maritime Strategy for India

  • India should proactively establish a Trade Protection Task Force.
  • Potential partners include:

○ France.

○ Japan.

  • These countries:

○ Maintain military bases in Djibouti.

○ Share interests in secure maritime trade.

○ Conduct regular naval exercises with India.

  • The proposed task force should:

○ Escort commercial vessels.

○ Deter attacks on merchant shipping.

○ Conduct coordinated naval patrols.

○ Share maritime intelligence.

○ Ensure rapid emergency response.

  • The IFC-IOR can provide:

○ Maritime surveillance.

○ Real-time information sharing.

  • France and Japan can complement Indian efforts through:

○ Logistics.

○ Forward deployment.

○ Operational coordination.

  • The initiative should remain a trade security mechanism, not a military alliance.

Importance of Regional Diplomacy

  • India should simultaneously intensify diplomatic engagement with:

○ Saudi Arabia.

○ Egypt.

○ United Arab Emirates.

○ Oman.

  • Egypt has a major economic stake due to:

○ Suez Canal revenues.

  • Saudi Arabia depends on uninterrupted maritime exports.
  • Gulf nations may now view Houthi attacks as a direct threat to their own interests.
  • India should:

○ Build consensus for maritime stability.

○ Encourage coordinated regional responses.

○ Maintain strategic neutrality while promoting international law.

  • Regional diplomacy would reduce dependence on extra-regional military intervention.
  • Such engagement strengthens India’s image as a responsible net security provider.

Significance for Global Maritime Governance

  • The crisis reinforces the importance of:

○ Freedom of navigation.

○ Rules-based maritime order.

○ Respect for international maritime law.

  • Collective maritime security is essential to protect:

○ International trade.

○ Global energy supplies.

○ Civilian shipping.

  • Theatre-specific naval cooperation is preferable to large military alliances.
  • Joint Rules of Engagement (RoE) can reduce risks of escalation.
  • India has both:

○ Growing naval capabilities.

○ Diplomatic credibility.

  • Successful leadership in Bab el-Mandeb would:

○ Strengthen India’s global maritime profile.

○ Enhance Indo-Pacific strategic influence.

○ Demonstrate commitment to SAGAR and the vision of a secure Indian Ocean.

Challenges:

  • Rising Iran–U.S. tensions may further destabilize the Red Sea.
  • Continued Houthi attacks threaten commercial shipping.
  • Absence of a unified international maritime response.
  • Divisions within the UN Security Council hinder collective action.
  • Growing geopolitical rivalry among major powers.
  • High marine insurance premiums increase logistics costs.
  • Limited capacity of commercial shipping to absorb prolonged disruptions.
  • Threats to Indian merchant vessels and seafarers.
  • Risk of accidental military escalation in congested waterways.
  • Maintaining strategic neutrality while safeguarding national interests.
  • Coordination challenges among multiple naval forces.
  • Potential retaliation by non-state actors.
  • Increased burden on India’s naval resources.
  • Dependence on imported energy heightens India’s vulnerability.
  • Balancing diplomacy with deterrence remains a complex policy challenge.

Way Forward:

  • Establish a multinational Trade Protection Task Force led by India.
  • Strengthen naval cooperation with:

○ France.

○ Japan.

  • Enhance the role of the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
  • Conduct regular coordinated naval patrols.
  • Develop common Rules of Engagement (RoE).
  • Increase intelligence sharing among partner navies.
  • Expand maritime surveillance using satellites and drones.
  • Deepen diplomatic engagement with:

○ Saudi Arabia.

○ Egypt.

○ Oman.

○ UAE.

  • Promote adherence to UNCLOS and international maritime law.
  • Improve maritime emergency response capabilities.
  • Diversify India’s energy import routes.
  • Strengthen Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR).
  • Encourage shipping companies to adopt advanced maritime security measures.
  • Promote regional dialogue involving Gulf countries, African littoral states, and major maritime powers.
  • Continue implementing the SAGAR doctrine to reinforce India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region.

Conclusion:

The Strait of Bab el-Mandeb is central to global commerce and India’s economic security. As geopolitical tensions intensify, India must combine naval capability, regional diplomacy, and a rules-based maritime approach to ensure uninterrupted navigation, protect international trade, and reinforce its role as a leading maritime power in the Indian Ocean Region.

Source: TH

Mains Practice Question:

“The security of strategic maritime chokepoints has become integral to India’s economic resilience and geopolitical influence.” Discuss the significance of the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb for India. Examine how naval diplomacy, regional partnerships, and adherence to international maritime law can safeguard India’s maritime interests and ensure a rules-based order.