OPERATION PROSPERITY GUARDIAN (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: The US has invited India to join the multi-national naval coalition, Operation Prosperity Guardian, to counter threats posed by Yemen's Houthi militants in the Red Sea.

Operation Prosperity Guardian

• About: It is a US-led military operation by a multinational coalition formed in December 2023 to respond to Houthi-led attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
• Countries: UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Seychelles and Spain.

oNow, more than 40 countries have joined the United States in condemning the Houthis’ attacks.

Membership in Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)

• About: Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) is a multi-national naval partnership, which exists to promote security, stability and prosperity across approximately 3.2 million square miles of international waters, which encompass some of the world’s most important shipping lanes.
• India's Affiliation: India holds membership in the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), signifying its engagement in collaborative maritime efforts.
• Cautious Response: India has exercised caution in response to the US invitation to join Operation Prosperity Guardian, demonstrating a measured approach in its decision-making.
• Distinct Naval Presence: Similar to France and Italy, India has chosen to maintain an independent naval presence in the region rather than aligning with a US-led maritime coalition. This decision aims to address and manage the challenges posed by Houthi attacks.