The External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is on a de-escalation mission. On Monday, Jaishankar will be in Tehran on a short trip. The trip comes at a time when the region is a tinder box—with simmering tensions over the war launched by Israel on Hamas and the combined US-UK airstrikes targeting Houthis in Yemen.
There is a lot at stake. And Iran is very much at the centre of this crisis. The Houthis are backed by Iran and have vowed that the US and UK must “prepare to pay a heavy price”. The acceleration of this war is dangerous. Especially as there were fresh attacks launched on Saturday “to degrade the Houthis' ability to attack maritime vessels, including commercial vessels,” the U.S. Central Command posted on X. The strikes were termed as self defence by UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
The combined forces launched fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles to protect the attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea. According to news reports quoting the US Central Command, the Houthis have carried out 26 attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea. In no mood to back down, US President Biden on Friday told reporters: “We will make sure that we respond to the Houthis if they continue this outrageous behaviour.”
The Tehran visit comes at this critical time. India will be interested in bringing tensions down—and has the ability to make the concerns heard. Reaching out to Iran has been part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s agenda. The Chabahar Port, which will also come up for discussion, is certainly at the heart of this effort.
The US too, would be hoping that India could help calm the situation. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to Jaishankar on January 11. “Our conversation focused on maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region. Appreciated his insights on the ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza. Exchanged perspectives on developments pertaining to the Ukraine conflict. Looking forward to realising our extensive cooperation agenda for 2024,’’ Jaishankar posted on X.
It is clear from the US read out that Blinken wants India’s support. “The Secretary and External Affairs Minister discussed the United States and India’s shared concerns over reckless Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, which threaten the free flow of commerce, endanger innocent mariners, and violate international law. The Secretary emphasized the Red Sea is a major commercial corridor that facilitates international trade and welcomed increased cooperation with India in defending freedom of navigation in the region,’’ the statement read.
These tensions have also come too close for comfort. India has stepped by its naval presence in the area—especially after a drone attack on Liberian ship Chem Pluto, carrying 20 Indians 220 nautical miles outside Porbandar last month. Apart from security, reportedly, the tensions in the area have ensured that global container prices have gone up by 15 per cent since January 4.
