Context: The Indian Navy has deployed ships and aircraft to maintain enhanced surveillance and maritime security operations in the North/Central Arabian Sea and Gulf of Aden. 

Navy’s Ships, Aircrafts Continue To Monitor Security In Arabian Sea, Gulf Of Aden

• The Navy is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with national maritime agencies and is committed to ensuring the safety of merchant shipping and seafarers in the region.
• Deployed Warships:  INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, INS Kolkata and INS Chennai, in addition to a Talwar Class frigate.

Must Read: How Are Houthi Attacks On Ships In The Red Sea Affecting Global Economy?

About the Gulf of Aden

• The gulf is named after “Aden,” a port city on Yemen’s coast.
• Location: It is an extension of the Indian Ocean, located between the Arabian Peninsula (north) and the Horn of Africa (south). 
  • It is bounded to the south by Somali and the Socotra Islands, north by Yemen, east by the Arabian Sea, and west by Djibouti. 
  • It is connected to the Somali Sea to the south by the Guardafui Channel, and to the Red Sea to the west by the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.
• Connectivity: It connects the Red Sea to the Arabian Sea via the Strait of Bab el Mandeb.

• Major Harbors: Aden, Mukalla, Ahnwar, Balhaf, Berbera, Bosaso, and Djibouti City.
• Challenges: In recent years, the gulf has faced challenges of piracy, terrorism and refugee smuggling.
• Importance: 
  • The Gulf is also a critical part of the Suez Canal shipping route, which connects the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. 

Must Read: Red Sea Region: Houthi Militants Pose Risks to Important Choke Points

News Source: The Hindu