New Delhi and Washington D.C. – Bharat’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in a discussion concerning shared concerns over Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The talks, which took place recently, highlighted the reckless nature of these attacks and their potential impact on the free flow of commerce, as well as the violation of international law.
Maritime Security in Focus – The dialogue emphasized the importance of the Red Sea as a major commercial corridor facilitating international trade. Both leaders acknowledged the need for increased cooperation in defending freedom of navigation in the region. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller noted that Secretary Blinken welcomed the prospect of enhanced collaboration with Bharat on maritime security.
Israel-Hamas Conflict – The discussions went beyond maritime security, addressing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Jaishankar and Blinken explored concerted efforts to prevent the escalation of the conflict and discussed ways to improve the delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza.
Insights and Perspectives – In a social media post, Minister Jaishankar described the talks as a “good discussion” with Secretary Blinken. He highlighted that the conversation specifically focused on maritime security challenges in the Red Sea region. Additionally, Jaishankar appreciated Blinken’s insights on the West Asia situation, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The leaders also exchanged perspectives on developments related to the Ukraine conflict.
International Response to Houthi Attacks – The talks occurred against the backdrop of a massive retaliatory strike by the US and British militaries targeting a dozen sites used by Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. These military targets included logistical hubs, air defense systems, and weapons storage locations. This marked the first U.S. military response to a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
The discussions between Bharat and the United States underscore the significance of global cooperation in addressing maritime security challenges and promoting stability in conflict-ridden regions.
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