Portsmouth: Admiral Ben Key, the head of the UK’s Royal Navy, emphasized the significant threat posed by Houthi attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Since the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, Iran-backed Houthis have escalated their assaults using missiles and drones, disrupting global trade routes and forcing shipping companies to reroute via the southern tip of Africa. This sea denial strategy undermines the lawful use of international waters for trade, as protected under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
In an interview at the Raisina Dialogue 2024, Admiral Key criticized the Houthis for jeopardizing the peaceful exchange of goods between nations, a principle firmly established in UNCLOS. Despite Houthis’ claims linking their actions to the Israel-Hamas conflict, Key asserts their motives are unrelated and purely constitute an act of sea denial.
The Royal Navy, alongside the Indian Navy, is committed to safeguarding commercial shipping in the region. The Indian Navy has notably responded to distress signals from merchant vessels attacked by the Houthis, thwarting piracy attempts and enhancing maritime security in the western Indian Ocean.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, speaking at the Milan naval exercise in Visakhapatnam, highlighted the “extremely pressing challenges” in maritime security due to recent drone attacks and hijacking attempts. In response, the Indian Navy has deployed significant naval forces to protect merchant vessels and combat the resurgence of piracy.
Admiral Key praised the collaborative efforts of global navies in ensuring safe maritime operations in the Red Sea. He recounted the defensive actions of HMS Diamond, a British warship, which has engaged in numerous surface-to-air missile defenses against Houthi threats, marking a significant level of military engagement not seen since the Falklands War.
Key remains hopeful for a regional solution to the ongoing conflict, stressing the importance of maritime safety and security for conducting international business and maintaining global economic stability. The situation underscores the potential for greater instability in the wider Indian Ocean region, necessitating a concerted effort by regional navies and international stakeholders to ensure the seas remain open and safe for commerce.
GENERAL | UN Warns: Global Trade Disrupted by Complex World Situations
