He further highlighted that the
substantial deployment of Indian Navy vessels to safeguard shipping routes
amidst Houthi attacks in the Red Sea has upgraded India’s stature in the world.
Speaking at a session on Northeast India’s integration with Southeast
Asia and Japan, Jaishankar said, “With all this tension between people firing
missiles and drones and piracy, 21 of our ships are actually on service out
there, who are actually protecting international shipping. “Stressing the
interconnectedness of domestic decisions with global perceptions, Jaishankar underscored
the importance of India’s actions
resonating positively beyond its borders.
He further noted that India’s engagement with critical issues, including
maritime security, holds broader implications, as witnessed in recent events
impacting global trade.
Jaishankar’s remarks come after an Indian warship INS Kochi swiftly came
to the aid of a Panama-flagged crude oil tanker, MV Andromeda Star, after it
faced a missile attack from Houthi militants. An aerial recce was carried out
by the Indian Navy helicopter to assess the situation
The navy reported that all 30
crew members, including 22 Indian nationals, were safe, and the vessel is
proceeding with its scheduled journey to the next port. In short, the EAM wanted to
impress the audience with India’s positive engagements in all significant
issues both within and without Indian borders.