Team Blitz India
EXTERNAL Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has lauded India’s heightened global prestige in the light of substantial deployment of Indian Navy vessels securing shipping routes amid escalating Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Last week the minister disclosed that 21 Indian Navy ships are stationed in the troubled region, ensuring the security of international shipping lanes while simultaneously curbing trade expenses.
Addressing a session on Northeast India’s integration with Southeast Asia and Japan, Jaishankar remarked, “With all this tension between people firing missiles and drones and piracy, 21 of our ships are actually on service out there, who are actually protecting international shipping.”
He emphasised the significance of maintaining low trade costs by securing shipping routes, thereby attracting respect and attention on the global stage.
S Jaishankar
Jaishankar’s remarks follow the swift response of the Indian Navy’s INS Kochi to aid the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star, which came under a missile attack by Houthi militants.
A timely aerial reconnaissance mission by an Indian Navy helicopter ensured the safety of all 30 crew members, including 22 Indian nationals, allowing the vessel to continue its journey to the next port uninterrupted.
The minister also emphasised the interdependence of domestic policies and global perspectives, highlighting the importance of India’s actions resonating positively worldwide.
He reiterated that India’s international performance is closely observed, particularly as it progresses towards becoming the world’s fourthlargest economy.
Jaishankar further highlighted that India’s engagement with critical issues like maritime security carries broader implications, particularly in recent events affecting global trade dynamics.
“So, if we are now in the coming weeks going to decide our future in whatever way we wish, it’s not just a conversation amongst ourselves. It’s a conversation or a discussion in which the other 6 billion people are also tuned in,” he said.
