India has swiftly responded to an alarming attack on the MV Chem Pluto, an Israel-linked chemical tanker, deploying its naval might to safeguard its waters in the Arabian Sea.
Nikkei Asia tells us that the Liberian-flagged vessel, carrying a crew of 21 Indians and one Vietnamese, was targeted in what preliminary assessments suggest was a drone attack, raising concerns about regional security.
In this photograph taken on December 22, 2023, sailors stand next to Anti-Submarine Indigenous Rocket Launchers of the INS IMPHAL (Yard 12706), the third stealth guided missile destroyer of Project 15B, ahead of its commissioning into the Indian Navy, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. (Photo by Indranil MUKHERJEE / AFP)
Defensive Measures from the Indian Navy
The Indian Ministry of Defence confirmed the arrival of the attacked vessel, now docked safely in Mumbai under naval escort.
"Further forensic and technical analysis will be required to establish the vector of attack, including the type and amount of explosive used," the ministry stated, emphasizing the complexity of the investigation.
In response to this incident and recent escalations in maritime attacks within the Arabian Sea, India's Navy swiftly initiated defensive measures.
Three guided missile destroyers, namely INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata, were strategically deployed in various sea areas. This move aims to maintain a significant deterrent presence and protect maritime interests.
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Escalating Tensions in the Region
The attack, reported on Saturday morning, stirred international concern.
Aljazeera reports that the United States alleged Iranian involvement, claiming that the strike on the Chem Pluto was fired from Iran, situated 200 nautical miles off the coast of India in the Indian Ocean.
However, Tehran has vehemently denied any role in the incident, dismissing the accusations as baseless.
According to journalists, militarisation is increasing not only in the Red Sea but also in the Arabian Peninsula. An Aljazeera writer said these are the regional consequences of the Gaza war.
The ongoing conflict involving Yemen-based Houthi militants has further intensified maritime security concerns. The US Central Command reported two Houthi anti-ship ballistic missile strikes in the Southern Red Sea, emphasizing the global impact of regional conflicts.
Analysts have drawn connections between this incident and the wider regional context, particularly the Israel-Hamas conflict that began earlier in the year.
The Indian news outlets speculated that Chem Pluto might have been targeted due to its alleged Israeli affiliation, pointing to its ownership ties to Israeli billionaire Idan Ofer.
"We can see that militarization is increasing, not only in the Red Sea but also in the Arabian Peninsula," observed Al Jazeera's Resul Sardar, highlighting the broader implications of the escalating tensions.
What's Next?
As investigations continue to unravel the specifics of the attack, the Indian Navy remains on high alert, committed to securing its maritime territories and ensuring the safety of commercial vessels navigating through these waters.
The Indian government, in coordination with international agencies, is poised to unravel the complexities surrounding this targeted attack, signalling a concerted effort to maintain peace and stability in the region.
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