Indian Navy escorts merchant ships through Bab el-Mandeb

The Indian Navy has deployed warships to escort merchant vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb strait to ensure safe transit amid rising regional tensions. The mission involved the INS Trishul, a guided missile frigate, and the INS Aditya, a combat logistics ship, which escorted the MT Compass and the MT Thalatta through the high-risk area.

This deployment follows recent maritime instability in the Red Sea, including the sinking of the Indian-flagged cargo vessel MSV Faize Noore Oliya near the coast of Yemen after being struck by a projectile. The area has seen increased activity from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militia, which has targeted commercial shipping.

The naval presence is part of Operation Sankalp, a maritime security initiative launched in 2019 to protect Indian maritime interests and vital energy cargo. The Indian Navy stated it remains committed to securing safe passage through these strategic chokepoints, which serve as critical gateways to the Suez Canal.