New Delhi: In response to the drone attack on the Mangalore-bound chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto, the Indian Navy has heightened surveillance in the Arabian Sea. Four guided missile destroyers have been deployed to protect commercial shipping from missile-drone attacks in the West Asia region. The navy has also launched P8I multi-mission aircraft and Sea Guardian drones for enhanced maritime domain awareness.
An Indian defense team is currently investigating the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, which occurred 210 nautical miles off Dwaraka in Gujarat. With concerns about maritime security due to Shia Houthi rebels targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea and north Arabian Sea, several Indian warships, including INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Visakhapatnam, and INS Chennai, are actively patrolling and countering potential military obstructions. These warships are equipped with Brahmos land attack missiles and surface-to-air missiles.
While the Iranian government denies involvement in targeting MV Chem Pluto, security experts suggest the possibility of Houthi rebels using Iran-manufactured Shahed drones with a range of 1,350 nautical miles. The motive behind these attacks appears to be putting pressure on the US-led coalition to intervene in Israel’s military operations against Hamas in Gaza.
In response to these developments, the US Navy has maintained two carrier strike forces in the region. However, the crowded Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, major routes for global trade, have experienced diversions, impacting shipping costs and oil consumption. The situation continues to raise concerns about maritime security in the region.
