Indian Navy deploys warships in Arabian Sea after tanker attack

In a decisive response to escalating maritime threats, the Indian Navy has intensified its presence in the Arabian Sea. This strategic move comes after the drone attack on the chemical tanker MV Chem Pluto, signaling a significant shift in India’s maritime defense posture. The deployment includes four advanced guided missile destroyers: INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Visakhapatnam, and INS Chennai, each equipped with state-of-the-art Brahmos land attack missiles and surface-to-air missiles, complemented by anti-submarine helicopters.

The attack on MV Chem Pluto, en route to Mangalore, occurred approximately 210 nautical miles off the Indian coast, Dwarka in Gujarat, 500 nautical miles from the Iran coast, and 860 nautical miles from Yemen. The tanker, which safely reached Mumbai harbor on Christmas day, was in proximity to two Iranian vessels, MV Saviz and MV Artenos, at the time of the attack. The possibility of the drone being launched from a bulk carrier has not been ruled out.

The United States accused Iran of orchestrating a drone attack on the Japanese-owned chemical tanker, Chem Pluto, in the Arabian Sea, a claim that Iran has vehemently denied. This incident has significantly heightened maritime tensions in the region. Iran’s firm rejection of these allegations, labeling them as “baseless”, adds a layer of complexity to the already strained geopolitical dynamics in the area.

To enhance maritime domain awareness, the Indian Navy has also deployed P8I multi-mission aircraft and Sea Guardian drones. The Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have a history of targeting merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the north Arabian Sea, pose a significant threat to maritime security in the region. The Indian Navy’s deployment is a proactive measure to ensure the safety of sea lines and to counter any potential military threats.

The US Navy, with its two carrier strike forces in the region, remains active in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, areas heavily trafficked by large tankers and bulk carriers involved in global oil transportation. On average, 50 ships pass through the Suez Canal daily, contributing to 12% of global trade and 30% of global container traffic, with an annual value of around US$1 trillion. The Houthi attacks have led to a considerable diversion of shipping routes, with many vessels now passing via the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in increased costs and oil consumption.

List of Deployments and Assets by Indian Navy, US Navy, and Other Countries in the Arabian Sea Region

Indian Navy Deployments:

1. INS Kolkata: A guided missile destroyer equipped with Brahmos land attack missiles and surface-to-air missiles.
2. INS Kochi: Another guided missile destroyer with similar armaments as INS Kolkata.
3. INS Visakhapatnam: A state-of-the-art guided missile destroyer, part of India’s latest naval assets.
4. INS Chennai: A modern guided missile destroyer, complementing the naval fleet in the Arabian Sea.
5. P8I Multi-Mission Aircraft: Used for long-range maritime reconnaissance and surveillance.
6. Sea Guardian Drones: Deployed for enhanced maritime domain awareness.
7. INS Deepak: A fleet tanker, deployed for logistical support and replenishment of the naval fleet.
8. Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV): Used for patrolling and monitoring maritime activities.

US Navy Deployments:

1. Carrier Strike Forces: Two carrier strike groups are present in the region, including aircraft carriers, guided missile destroyers, and support vessels.
2. Long-Range Maritime Patrol Aircraft: Used for surveillance and reconnaissance in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Other International Deployments:

• Yemen’s Houthi Rebels: Known for using drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea and north Arabian Sea.
• Iran: Accused of being involved in the drone attack on MV Chem Pluto, though Iran has dismissed these claims.
• Somali Pirates: Not a formal naval deployment, but their activities have prompted increased naval presence and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

Important:

• The Indian Navy’s deployment is primarily focused on countering threats from the Shia Houthi rebels and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping in the region.
• The US Navy’s presence in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman is part of its broader strategic objectives in the region, including ensuring the security of maritime trade routes.
• The situation in the Arabian Sea is dynamic, with various state and non-state actors influencing maritime security.

This list provides an overview of the key naval assets and deployments by the Indian Navy, the US Navy, and other relevant entities in the Arabian Sea region, highlighting the complex nature of maritime security in this strategically important area.

The Indian Navy’s deployment marks a critical step in maintaining regional stability and protecting vital maritime trade routes. This action underscores India’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime boundaries and ensuring the security of international shipping lanes.