Why is it safe for oil tankers for India to pass through the Red Sea?

Why is it safe for oil tankers for India to pass through the Red Sea?

Monday, February 5, 2024 20:12 PM (GMT+7)

Oil tankers bound for India passing through the Red Sea have not been targeted by Houthi forces in Yemen thanks to Russia's influence, Russian news site RT has said.

Since November 2023, Houthi forces in Yemen have launched a campaign of missile and drone attacks against cargo ships linked to the US, UK and Israel. According to RT.

An estimated 40 ships have been attacked by the Houthis, mostly in the Red Sea. Several shipping companies have announced cancellations of cargo shipments through the route. According to RT.

Companies that continue to provide services have increased insurance premiums and freight rates, estimated to increase by 25-30%. According to RT.

India is also worried that rising freight rates and risk premiums could increase the price of its exports to Europe and Africa, according to RT.

In fact, at least three Indian ships were fired upon by the Houthis while transiting the Red Sea in November and December 2023. According to RT.

Following the incidents, the Indian Navy and Coast Guard dispatched warships to the area to patrol and ensure security. According to RT.

Amid the Houthis' continued attacks on cargo ships, it is strange that an oil tanker for India passing through the Red Sea has remained unaffected. According to RT.

The secret to that, according to Aaryaman Nijhwan, an international relations researcher and political commentator, is Russian influence. According to RT.

Russian oil tankers bound for India were of course not targeted by Houthi forces, according to RT.

Since the start of the conflict in Ukraine, nearly 40% of India's total oil imports have come from Russia. According to RT.

Meanwhile, Iran - the country that backs the Houthi rebels, is a steadfast partner and ally of Moscow. According to RT.

Even more, the Iran-Russia partnership is growing closer as Iran's military hardware, especially Shaheed drones, helps to strengthen Russia's military arsenal. According to RT.

As a result, Houthi forces have limited their targeting of Russian-origin commercial shipping vessels, according to RT.

However, Indian goods originating from or destined for other places, such as Western Europe, may not be safe, according to RT.

For its part, India must use its diplomatic leverage with Iran to ensure safe passage for Indian shipments. According to RT.

India-Iran relations are generally quite warm, and since India is one of Tehran's few stable allies, India's request for immunity from Houthi attacks will be taken seriously, according to RT.

This shows that in a multipolar world, any country with a multi-aligned foreign policy, such as India, will benefit in narrowing differences while ensuring its own security and independence. According to RT.

PV (According to ANTĐ)

Source: https://danviet.vn/vi-sao-tau-cho-dau-cho-an-do-di-qua-bien-do-van-an-toan-20240205201134616.htm