Houthi Attacks In Red Sea: The two also discussed the ongoing confrontation between Israel and Hamas, measures to stop it from getting worse, and how to get more humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population.

According to a statement from the State Department’s Matthew Miller on Thursday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken spoke about the recent attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels that are backed by Yemen.

The State Department official said that the two presidents also reiterated their commitment to maritime cooperation in the area.

“The Secretary and External Affairs Minister discussed the United States and India’s shared concerns over reckless Houthi attacks in the southern Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, which threaten the free flow of commerce, endanger innocent mariners, and violate international law,” stated Miller.

In their phone call, the US Secretary of State highlighted that the Red Sea is an important commercial route that supports global trade and expressed gratitude for India’s growing support in protecting the right of free navigation in the area.

The Israel-Hamas conflict, measures to stop it from getting worse, and increasing the amount of humanitarian aid that is sent to Gaza’s civilian population were all topics of discussion between the US Secretary and EAM. Blinken also touched on Russia’s “war of aggression” against Ukraine.

“A good discussion this evening with my friend US @SecBlinken,” the EAM wrote on his official X handle earlier on Wednesday. We spoke about the difficulties facing maritime security, particularly in the Red Sea area. I valued his perspectives on the current state of affairs in West Asia, encompassing Gaza. Exchanged thoughts on happenings relevant to the Ukraine war. Anticipating the accomplishment of our comprehensive collaborative plan for 2024.”

Earlier in December, Blinken claimed the US has extended its connection with India, adding that his country has elevated collaboration with New Delhi, Japan, and Australia through the Quad.

We’ve strengthened our alliance with India. At a news conference on Wednesday (US local time) to celebrate the end of the year, the US State Secretary stated, “We’ve elevated cooperation through the Quad with India, Japan, and Australia.”

The US, Australia, India, and Japan are connected diplomatically through the Quad. Blinken noted that US-Pacific partnerships are stronger than ever, per a press statement from the US State Department. According to him, the US was “producing nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with the United Kingdom and Australia.” We established new defense cooperation agreements with the Philippines, new trilateral projects with Japan and the Philippines, new embassies in Tonga and the Solomon Islands, and new comprehensive strategic alliances with Vietnam and Indonesia.”

SOURCE: https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/anthony-blinken-dials-s-jaishankar-amid-reckless-houthi-attacks-on-ships-4846370