Overview

• India deploys a dozen naval vessels to the Red Sea, marking the region's largest deployment to date, to counter piracy and ensure maritime security.
• The deployment comes as the US-led coalition targets Houthis in Operation Prosperity Guardian, aiming to protect shipping in the region.
• India's naval actions are part of a broader strategy to assert itself as a global maritime power and safeguard its economic interests in the face of growing competition with China.
• Despite its extensive naval deployment, India maintains a neutral stance in the Israel-Hamas conflict and refrains from joining the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian.
• India's maritime strategy includes diplomatic talks with Iran and enhancing surveillance, aiming to protect its shipping without directly confronting the Houthis.