Indian Navy to Deploy Warships in Arabian Sea Following Attack on Merchant Ship

In response to a recent attack on a merchant ship, India has announced plans to deploy three guided-missile destroyer ships in the Arabian Sea. The United States has accused Iran of carrying out the attack, a claim that Tehran has denied.

The targeted vessel, the Liberian-flagged and Japanese-owned MV Chem Pluto, which suffered an attack off the Indian coast, docked in Mumbai on Monday. Initial reports suggested a drone attack, prompting the Indian Navy to initiate an investigation. The crew, consisting of 21 Indians and one Vietnamese citizen, is safe.

As part of efforts to enhance security and deter further incidents, India has deployed the guided-missile destroyers INS Mormugao, INS Kochi, and INS Kolkata in various areas of the Arabian Sea. Additionally, New Delhi is reinforcing its anti-piracy measures in the Gulf of Aden, responding to the recent hijacking of the MV Ruen by Somali pirates.

The navy emphasized the need for further forensic and technical analysis to determine the specifics of the attack, including the type and amount of explosive used. A joint investigation involving various departments is set to take place.

Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed the country’s commitment to ensuring maritime trade security in the region, asserting India’s role as a net security provider in the entire Indian Ocean region.

While the U.S. has attributed the attack on MV Chem Pluto to Iran, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson dismissed the accusation as baseless. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels have carried out drone and missile attacks in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, responding to Israeli actions against Hamas militants.