21 Indian warships protecting international shipping: EAM S Jaishankar

 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.