Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently discussed the escalating threats to maritime security in the Red Sea. This conversation comes after the actions of Houthi militants of Yemen prompted the Pentagon to announce an international mission to counter attacks on Israel-bound international traffic. The leaders also discussed bringing foreign workers from India to Israel, as the country has experienced a decline in the number of Thai and other foreign workers since the Israel-Hamas conflict erupted.

In addition, they addressed concerns over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and highlighted India’s consistent stand in favor of early restoration of peace and stability in the region, with continued humanitarian assistance for the affected. The intensified attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi militants have targeted a crucial route for East-West trade, particularly for oil, using the Suez Canal to save time. The severity of these attacks, resulting in damage to several vessels, has led multiple shipping companies to issue directives for their ships to remain in place and avoid entering the Bab el-Mandeb Strait until the security situation can be effectively addressed.

In response to the escalating threat, the United States, along with several other nations, formed a new force dedicated to safeguarding ships transiting the Red Sea and called upon the UN Security Council to act against Houthi militants. Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have also held multiple rounds of conversations with regional stakeholders since the conflict began in October. This international challenge demands collective action, and it is essential that freedom of navigation is ensured for global security.