The recent attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi rebels mark a worrying trend, distinct from the past threats posed by Somali pirates in the region.

Houthi Attacks vs. Somali Piracy

• Motivation: Somali pirates, active between 2000-2016, primarily aimed for ransom money. Their attacks lacked a clear political agenda and were driven by economic motives.
• Tactics: Somali pirates typically hijacked ships and held crews hostage for ransom negotiations. Their targets were diverse, with no specific political affiliation.
• Eradication: Through international cooperation, enhanced security measures, and targeted actions against pirate bases, Somali piracy was significantly curbed by 2016.

Houthi attacks, on the other hand, are

• Politically Driven: These attacks are a direct consequence of the ongoing Yemen civil war and the Houthi rebels' conflict with the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. They target vessels potentially linked to Israel or its allies.
• Military Tactics: The Houthis employ drones and missiles to target ships, showcasing a more sophisticated and potentially more dangerous approach.
• Uncertain Resolution: The underlying political conflict remains unresolved, making a long-term solution to Houthi attacks challenging.

Impact on India

While the Indian government downplays the immediate impact on its maritime trade, the situation warrants close monitoring:

• Potential Disruptions: Escalating attacks could disrupt shipping routes in the Red Sea, a crucial artery for global trade, potentially impacting Indian imports and exports.
• Increased Insurance Costs: Heightened security risks could lead to higher insurance premiums for ships traversing the Red Sea.
• Geopolitical Tensions: The conflict adds another layer of complexity to the already tense situation in the Middle East, potentially impacting India's regional partnerships.

Israel-Hamas conflict

Red Sea