India's External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar has said that world "values" India's contributions in the Indian Ocean region. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal in Perth, on the sidelines of the Indian Ocean conference, he said, 'expectation is that India would make a greater contribution, frankly, from our own perspective, you know, our interests today are are so much greater and so much of our trade, for example, goes through the Red Sea." He pointed to the India's "strong shipping presence in that whole western Indian Ocean area". He also spoke on India Australia relationship, and how it has been strengthened under Modi Govt.

EAM Jaishankar: World values India's contribution in Indian Ocean

Mauritius Foreign Minister Maneesh Gobin speaks to WION on topics like the Red Sea crisis, Indian Ocean challenges, Ayodhya Ram Temple, India Mauritius ties. Watch to know more!

Mauritius FM Maneesh Gobin on Red sea crisis, Ayodhya Ram Temple, and much more

Yemen's Houthi rebels launched fresh attacks in the Red Sea & Gulf of Aden. Rebels launched six missiles toward two merchant ships. Three of the missiles were aimed at the MV Star Nasia while remaining three were likely targeting MV Morning Tide.

Houthis launch multiple anti-ship ballistic missile attacks in Red Sea & Gulf of Aden

Yemen’s Houthi rebels said Tuesday (Feb 6) they attacked two more ships in the Red Sea, causing damage to both of them. The US military’s Central Command also confirmed the missile attacks on Star Nasia and Morning Tide, the two vessels.

“Three of the Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs) were attempting to hit MV Star Nasia, a Marshall Island-flagged, Greek owned-and-operated bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden,” the command said in an X post. The ship reported minor damage caused by a nearby explosion; however, the crew remained safe.

“The remaining three ASBMs were likely targeting MV Morning Tide, a Barbados-flagged, UK-owned cargo ship operating in the Southern Red Sea. The three missiles impacted the water near the ship without effect,” the command added.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said the Greek-owned Star Nasia was en route to India from US and was carrying coal.

Watch:&nbsp;Houthis claim to have hit two merchant ships in the Red Sea

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Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the Morning Tide was heading south through the Red Sea after navigating the Suez Canal on Friday. Its most recent signal shows it sailing out of the Red Sea through the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

<h2>Diplomacy underway to tackle Houthi menace</h2>

Reuters reported that the US officials were focusing on diplomatic efforts to find a "climbdown" for Yemen's Houthis. In a video released Tuesday, the US envoy to Yemen said a face-saving solution to ending their attacks on ships in the Red Sea was being figured out.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0d1zCPQeC_F4RZbhBpbvkW" data-ved="2ahUKEwifw9CM1JiEAxVScmwGHX4SBNwQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-carry-out-joint-air-raids-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-hit-36-sites-686775" jsname="YKoRaf">US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites</a>

Envoy Tim Lenderking said this to a think tank before flying to Oman for talks on the crisis, which has led the US and allies to launch retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets.

<h2>Global disruption continues</h2>

The Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels have disrupted global shipping routes, forcing operators to steer clear of troubled waters and opt for longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa.

The United States and Britain began striking Houthi targets in Yemen last month in retaliation for the attacks on Red Sea shipping.

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels said Tuesday (Feb 6) they attacked two more ships in the Red Sea, causing damage to both of them. The US military’s Central Command also confirmed the missile attacks on Star Nasia and Morning Tide, the two vessels.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels said Tuesday (Feb 6) they attacked two more ships in the Red Sea, causing damage to both of them. The US military’s Central Command also confirmed the missile attacks on Star Nasia and Morning Tide, the two vessels. “Three of the Anti-Ship Ballistic Missiles (ASBMs) were attempting to hit MV Star Nasia, a Marshall Island-flagged, Greek owned-and-operated bulk carrier transiting the Gulf of Aden,” the command said in an X post. The ship reported minor damage caused by a nearby explosion; however, the crew remained safe. “The remaining three ASBMs were likely targeting MV Morning Tide, a Barbados-flagged, UK-owned cargo ship operating in the Southern Red Sea. The three missiles impacted the water near the ship without effect,” the command added. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said the Greek-owned Star Nasia was en route to India from US and was carrying coal. Watch: Houthis claim to have hit two merchant ships in the Red Sea × Meanwhile, Reuters reported that the Morning Tide was heading south through the Red Sea after navigating the Suez Canal on Friday. Its most recent signal shows it sailing out of the Red Sea through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Diplomacy underway to tackle Houthi menace Reuters reported that the US officials were focusing on diplomatic efforts to find a "climbdown" for Yemen's Houthis. In a video released Tuesday, the US envoy to Yemen said a face-saving solution to ending their attacks on ships in the Red Sea was being figured out. Also read: US, UK carry out joint air raids against Houthi targets in Yemen, hit 36 sites Envoy Tim Lenderking said this to a think tank before flying to Oman for talks on the crisis, which has led the US and allies to launch retaliatory strikes on Houthi targets. Global disruption continues The Red Sea attacks by Houthi rebels have disrupted global shipping routes, forcing operators to steer clear of troubled waters and opt for longer and more expensive journeys around southern Africa. The United States and Britain began striking Houthi targets in Yemen last month in retaliation for the attacks on Red Sea shipping. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: Houthi rebels target two more vessels in Red Sea, including one carrying coal to India

Iranian forces bank on Saviz & Behshad ships. The Houthi rebel attacks triggered reprisals by US & UK forces. According to reports, Iranian warships spotted near the Behshad vessel. Behshad & Saviz vessels registered as commercial cargo ships. Both have been present in the Red Sea for years. As alarm increases over Iran's 'floating armouries,' are Saviz & Behshad ships serving as spy positions for Iran guards? Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: Saviz & Behshad ships serving as spy positions for Iran guards?

U.S. has confirmed that it has conducted additional strikes on Iran-linked Houthi rebels. This comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to West Asia again on his new crisis tour of the region. Blinken seeks to push forward a proposal to halt the devastating conflict in return for the release of hostages.

Israel-Hamas war: US & UK strike Iranian-linked targets; tensions spilling over from Gaza to Red Sea

Antony Blinken visits West Asia after US carries out retaliatory strikes in Iraq, Syria

US and UK have launched retaliatory airstrikes over Red Sea attacks. Pentagon says it targeted 13 locations across Yemen. Iraq summoned US envoy in Baghdad after American strikes. The strikes in Syria & Iraq reportedly killed 40. Iran has condemned US response in Syria and Iraq. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: US and UK retaliation strikes hit 36 targets in Yemen

Iran condemns US retaliation strike in Syria & Iraq | Red Sea Crisis

US and UK have launched retaliatory airstrikes over Red Sea attacks. Pentagon says it targeted 13 locations across Yemen. Iraq summoned US envoy in Baghdad after American strikes. The strikes in Syria & Iraq reportedly killed 40. Iran has condemned US' response in Syria and Iraq. Watch to know more!

US and UK's joint strikes hit 36 Houthi targets in Yemen | Red Sea Crisis

Maruti Suzuki India faces logistical challenges and traffic disruption in the Red Sea, resulting in uncertainty in vessel dispatches and delays in picking up consignments. Watch to know more.

Maruti Suzuki navigates Red Sea turmoil

Indian Navy foils another piracy attempt. Iranian vessel FV Omari rescued off the east coast of Somalia. Indian Navy rescued 11 Iranian, 8 Pakistani sailors. Watch to know more!

Indian Navy rescues another Iranian-flagged vessel off the east coast of Somalia | Red Sea Crisis

In a strategic move to address the escalating Red Sea crisis, the Indian Navy units, which already have Mission-Based Deployments in key areas of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), are being deployed off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and in the North and Central Arabian Sea off East Coast of Somalia, the defence ministry said Friday (Feb 2).&nbsp;

The action is&nbsp;being taken to reinforce maritime security in the face of evolving threats in the Red Sea where there has been rampant attacks on shipping vessels by Houthi rebels.&nbsp;

Minister of Defence for State Ajay Bhatt, in a written reply to Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel in the lower house of Parliament on Feb 2, stated, "Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with regional and extra-regional navies/maritime forces, to promote maritime security in the IOR."

The Indian Navy's commitment to enhancing maritime security has been evident through regular deployments, surveillance efforts, and proactive engagement with "regional and extra-regional navies".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sale-of-mq-9-drones-to-india-cleared-by-us-senate-foreign-relations-committee-686536">Sale of MQ-9 drones to India cleared by US Senate Foreign Relations Committee</a>

According to the minister, since 2008, the Navy has conducted antipiracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the East coast of Africa, successfully escorting 3,440 ships and over 25,000 seafarers.

The Navy's commitment also extends beyond physical presence, encompassing information exchange and intelligence sharing with friendly foreign countries.

Demonstrating international cooperation, the Indian Navy has taken bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises, surveillance in joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and carried out coordinated patrolling with friendly foreign countries.

This approach has been taken by the navy in a bid to counter non-traditional threats.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-maldives-agree-to-phased-replacement-of-military-personnel-from-island-686513">India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island</a>

The minister also said that the establishment of the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) further strengthens regional maritime security. The centre works in coordination with 25 partner nations and over 40 international multinational organisations for real-time information exchange.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-navy-rescues-another-iranian-flagged-vessel-off-the-east-coast-of-somalia-red-sea-crisis-686572">Indian Navy rescues another Iranian-flagged vessel off the east coast of Somalia | Red Sea Crisis</a>

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These are aimed at ensuring the protection of merchant vessels and providing assistance if required.

"In addition, information exchange/intelligence sharing is also being undertaken with Friendly Foreign Countries to identify the source/reason/players involved in the attacks/incidents," the minister said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

In a strategic move to address the escalating Red Sea crisis, the Indian Navy units, which already have Mission-Based Deployments in key areas of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), are being deployed off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and in the North and Central Arabian Sea off East Coast of Somalia, the defence ministry said Friday (Feb 2).

In a strategic move to address the escalating Red Sea crisis, the Indian Navy units, which already have Mission-Based Deployments in key areas of interest in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), are being deployed off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and in the North and Central Arabian Sea off East Coast of Somalia, the defence ministry said Friday (Feb 2). The action is being taken to reinforce maritime security in the face of evolving threats in the Red Sea where there has been rampant attacks on shipping vessels by Houthi rebels. Minister of Defence for State Ajay Bhatt, in a written reply to Kunwar Pushpendra Singh Chandel in the lower house of Parliament on Feb 2, stated, "Indian Navy has been proactively engaging with regional and extra-regional navies/maritime forces, to promote maritime security in the IOR." The Indian Navy's commitment to enhancing maritime security has been evident through regular deployments, surveillance efforts, and proactive engagement with "regional and extra-regional navies". Also Read | Sale of MQ-9 drones to India cleared by US Senate Foreign Relations Committee According to the minister, since 2008, the Navy has conducted antipiracy patrols in the Gulf of Aden and the East coast of Africa, successfully escorting 3,440 ships and over 25,000 seafarers. The Navy's commitment also extends beyond physical presence, encompassing information exchange and intelligence sharing with friendly foreign countries. Demonstrating international cooperation, the Indian Navy has taken bilateral and multilateral maritime exercises, surveillance in joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and carried out coordinated patrolling with friendly foreign countries. This approach has been taken by the navy in a bid to counter non-traditional threats. Also Read | India, Maldives agree to phased replacement of military personnel from island The minister also said that the establishment of the Information Fusion Centre-Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) further strengthens regional maritime security. The centre works in coordination with 25 partner nations and over 40 international multinational organisations for real-time information exchange. Watch | Indian Navy rescues another Iranian-flagged vessel off the east coast of Somalia | Red Sea Crisis × These are aimed at ensuring the protection of merchant vessels and providing assistance if required. "In addition, information exchange/intelligence sharing is also being undertaken with Friendly Foreign Countries to identify the source/reason/players involved in the attacks/incidents," the minister said. (With inputs from agencies)

Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia

The Red Sea crisis has disrupted shipping and global supply chains. But Saudi Arabia has come up with a plan to counter the chaos. Last month, the oil-rich kingdown dramatically expanded crude shipments from its Muajjiz facility, which is the northern red sea route. This has enabled Saudi to bypass the southern red sea regions that Yemeni Houthi militants have been attacking with the U.S. And UK retaliating. Watch to know more!

Saudi Arabia to avoid areas in the southern Red Sea

Amid rising tensions across the Red Sea corridor, Yemen's Houthis could potentially target the critical undersea cable network next. What are the ramifications of these reports? Should the west be worried?

Red Sea underwater cables under threat from Houthis?

A look at how Global markets performed in January. Oil rose over 6% with Brent crude hitting nearly $83 a barrel even as Red Sea tensions escalate. Gold closed out the month slightly lower but still held above the $2,000 mark. Watch to know more!

Global Economy Outlook | Market moves in January

US has downed 10 Houthi drones, ground centre and as the West Asian Crisis escalates, an explosion was reported near a vessel in Red Sea followed by flurry of Houthi strikes. "This is a dangerous moment in Middle East," says US Defence Secretary Austin. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: US military says it downed Houthi missiles in Red Sea

US has downed 10 Houthi drones & ground centre and as the West Asian Crisis escalates, an explosion was reported near a vessel in Red Sea followed by flurry of Houthi strikes. "This is a dangerous moment in Middle East," says US Defence Secretary Austin. Watch to know more!

US, UK carry out retaliatory strikes in Red Sea

A ship carrying around 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle docked in Australia on Thursday after abandoning a journey through the Red Sea, but the livestock remained stuck on board as the government decides whether to let them disembark or send them back to sea.

The animals have been on the vessel since January&nbsp;5 in sweltering summer heat. Government and industry officials say they are in good health but animal welfare advocates have branded their plight as torture.

The situation underlines the widening impact of strikes by Yemen's Houthi militia on shipping in the Red Sea that have disrupted global trade.

The ship, MV Bahijah, diverted from its route from Australia to Israel due to the threat of attack and was ordered home by the Australian government.

The Australian agriculture ministry said on Thursday the ship had docked but that it was still considering an application by the exporter, Israeli firm Bassem Dabbah Ltd, to unload some animals and ship the rest around Africa to Israel, a journey that would take around 33 days.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-government-approves-strikes-against-iranian-targets-in-iraq-and-syria-report-686072">Biden government approves strikes against Iranian targets in Iraq and Syria: Report</a>

The vessel is "being replenished with supplies to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of the livestock is upheld. No animals are currently being unloaded," the ministry said.

Any animals unloaded would have to quarantine due to Australia's strict biosecurity rules. The ministry said it had sent two vets aboard the vessel who reported no sign of significant animal welfare concerns, but critics are not placated.

"Leaving sheep and cattle on the MV Bahijah in the scorching summer heat is animal torture," said Senator Mehreen Faruqi, deputy leader of the Greens party.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defense-chief-apologizes-for-concealing-hospitalization-686070">US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin apologizes for concealing hospitalization</a>

"The government already made one gross error by approving this trip through a conflict zone," she said. "Sending them back out on another long journey is absolutely unacceptable."

<section>
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Reuters was unable to contact Bassem Dabbah. The ship's manager, Korkyra Shipping, did not respond to a request for comment. Australia's live export industry shipped more than half a million sheep and half a million cattle overseas last year. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)
</section>

A ship carrying around 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle docked in Australia on Thursday after abandoning a journey through the Red Sea, but the livestock remained stuck on board as the government decides whether to let them disembark or send them back to sea.

A ship carrying around 14,000 sheep and 2,000 cattle docked in Australia on Thursday after abandoning a journey through the Red Sea, but the livestock remained stuck on board as the government decides whether to let them disembark or send them back to sea. The animals have been on the vessel since January 5 in sweltering summer heat. Government and industry officials say they are in good health but animal welfare advocates have branded their plight as torture. The situation underlines the widening impact of strikes by Yemen's Houthi militia on shipping in the Red Sea that have disrupted global trade. The ship, MV Bahijah, diverted from its route from Australia to Israel due to the threat of attack and was ordered home by the Australian government. The Australian agriculture ministry said on Thursday the ship had docked but that it was still considering an application by the exporter, Israeli firm Bassem Dabbah Ltd, to unload some animals and ship the rest around Africa to Israel, a journey that would take around 33 days. Also Read | Biden government approves strikes against Iranian targets in Iraq and Syria: Report The vessel is "being replenished with supplies to ensure the ongoing health and welfare of the livestock is upheld. No animals are currently being unloaded," the ministry said. Any animals unloaded would have to quarantine due to Australia's strict biosecurity rules. The ministry said it had sent two vets aboard the vessel who reported no sign of significant animal welfare concerns, but critics are not placated. "Leaving sheep and cattle on the MV Bahijah in the scorching summer heat is animal torture," said Senator Mehreen Faruqi, deputy leader of the Greens party. Also Read | US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin apologizes for concealing hospitalization "The government already made one gross error by approving this trip through a conflict zone," she said. "Sending them back out on another long journey is absolutely unacceptable." Watch | India Budget 2024: How India's budget helps the world grow × Reuters was unable to contact Bassem Dabbah. The ship's manager, Korkyra Shipping, did not respond to a request for comment. Australia's live export industry shipped more than half a million sheep and half a million cattle overseas last year. (With inputs from agencies)

16,000 sheep and cattle stuck on ship in sweltering heat since Jan 5 after Red Sea turn-back

This is the fourth visit of David Cameron to West Asia. He will be discussing Houthi Attacks on the International shipping in the Red Sea. Cameron will meet his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi. Watch to know more!

Red Sea Attacks: UK Foreign secretary to discuss rising tensions in West Asia in Oman visit

Houthis claim to have fired a missile at an American warship- USS Lewis B Puller- in the Gulf of Aden. A Houthi spokesperson said the attacks will continue 'until the aggression is stopped'.

Houthis claim to have hit an American warship in Gulf of Aden | Gravitas

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".&nbsp;&nbsp;

For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-updates-biden-vows-to-respond-after-drone-attack-kills-3-us-troops-japan-suspends-aid-to-unrwa-684658">Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis</a>

A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the&nbsp;Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane.

This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans.

On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast.

It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP.

He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-presses-iran-to-rein-in-houthi-attacks-in-red-sea-sources-say-683793">China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say</a>

On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the&nbsp;Houthis.

On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown.&nbsp;

<h2>'Source of pride'</h2>

The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman.

It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the&nbsp;Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip.

Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas'&nbsp;October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children.

Amid the Gaza war, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route.&nbsp;

Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him".

Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". &nbsp;

Several days after detaining the vessel, the&nbsp;Houthis&nbsp;published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since.

After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction".

More than two months after Yemen's Houthi rebels captured the Galaxy Leader cargo ship and detained its crew, the Iran-backed rebels have turned the vessel into a domestic "tourist attraction". For about a dollar per trip, male-only groups of visitors can board wooden boats five times a week to the hijacked car carrier, which the Houthis hail as a trophy in their fight in solidarity with the Palestinians. Since shortly after the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza broke out on October 7, the Houthis have launched a spate of missile and drone attacks on passing commercial ships which they say are linked to Israel. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis A US-led naval coalition has responded by patrolling the Red Sea, and US and British forces have struck military sites of the Houthis, now designated a "global terrorist" group by Washington, to keep open the vital shipping lane. This has done little to dampen the mood on the sightseeing trips to the seized vessel, which is now decorated with Yemeni and Palestinian flags and banners displaying anti-American and anti-Israel slogans. On a recent visit, Zubair al-Haidari, from the Houthi-controlled capital Sanaa, said he had travelled for five hours to see the "Israeli ship" anchored off Hodeida on the Red Sea coast. It is our "pride and honour... that our armed forces have accomplished this wonderful work in supporting our oppressed brothers in Palestine and in Gaza," he told AFP. He was among some 10 visitors taking pictures with their mobile phones as they chewed 'khat', a plant that generates a mild high and is widely consumed in the Arabian peninsula's poorest country. Also read | China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say On board the ship, some visitors performed a traditional dance featuring the daggers that many Yemenis carry tucked into their belts, accompanied by chants glorifying the Houthis. On the deck of the Galaxy Leader, none of the visitors interviewed by AFP said they had seen the 25 crew members who are Bulgarian, Filipino, Ukrainian and Mexican and whose fate remains unknown. 'Source of pride' The Galaxy Leader is owned by a British company, which is in turn owned by an Israeli businessman. It had been chartered by a Japanese company when it was captured on November 19 by the Houthis, who said they were acting in "solidarity" with people in the besieged Gaza Strip. Israel's military campaign was sparked by Hamas' October 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas and Gaza's health ministry claims the military offensive has killed at least 26,257 people, about 70 per cent of them women and children. Amid the Gaza war, the Houthis have launched numerous attacks against shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, threatening an essential global trade route. Hizam al-Assad, of the Houthi political bureau, referred to the Galaxy Leader as a "tourist attraction" and said the visitors were "proof that the Yemeni people... are impatient to meet the enemy and confront him". Another visitor, Hamada al-Baydani, said he had travelled 400 kilometres (250 miles) from Al-Bayda, to see the seized ship, which he labelled "a source of pride for Yemenis". Several days after detaining the vessel, the Houthis published a video showing a military general welcoming a group they said was the crew, but the militants have not provided any information on their fate since. After an hour on board under the scorching sun, the visitors made their way back home, chanting "God is the greatest, death to America, death to Israel".

Yemen’s Houthi rebels open seized cargo ship to sightseers

Yemen's Houthi rebels on Friday stepped up attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea, including a hit that sparked a fire on a fuel tanker operated on behalf of trading firm Trafigura.

Houthis seize Cargo ship 'Galaxy Leader', turns it into tourist attraction

Royal Navy destroyers and frigates cannot strike Houthi land targets. The situation has been described by a former UK Defence Chief as a scandal now this deficiency has left the US to strike land targets against the Houthis alone. Former UK Defence Chief said, 'Warships lack firepower to attack.'

Red Sea Houthi Crisis: UK warships can't attack Houthi land targets

This week, American forces struck sites used by Iran-backed militants in Iraq. Reports say that at least two people were killed and two others were injured. The US has also bombed Iran-backed militant groups in Iraq.

Red Sea Crisis: Pentagon claims to have hit Houthi missiles stock in Yemen

This week, American forces struck sites used by Iran-backed militants in Iraq. Reports say that at least two people were killed and two others were injured. What happens next? Watch to know more!

Red Sea Crisis: Why did America bomb parts of Iraq?

Houthi Red Sea attacks: UK says it 'reserves the right to respond' after attack

Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing, four Iranian sources and a diplomat familiar with the matter said.

The discussions about the&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;and trade between China and Iran took place at several recent meetings in Beijing and Tehran, the Iranian sources said, declining to provide details about when they took place or who attended.

"Basically, China says: 'If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran. So tell the Houthis to show restraint'," said one Iranian official briefed on the talks, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

The attacks, which the Houthis say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, have raised the cost of shipping and insurance by&nbsp;disrupting&nbsp;a key trade route between Asia and Europe used widely by ships from China.

The Chinese officials, however, did not make any specific comments or threats about how Beijing's trading relationship with Iran could be affected if its interests were damaged by Houthi attacks, the four Iranian sources said.

While China has been Iran's biggest trading partner for the past decade, their trade relationship is lopsided.

Chinese oil refiners, for example, bought over 90% of Iran's crude exports last year, according to tanker tracking data from trade analytics firm Kpler, as US&nbsp;sanctions kept many other customers away and Chinese firms profited from heavy discounts.

Iranian oil, though, only accounts for 10% of China's crude imports and Beijing has an array of suppliers that could plug shortfalls from elsewhere.

The Iranian sources said Beijing had made it clear it would be very disappointed with Tehran if any vessels linked to China were hit, or the country's interests were affected in any way.

But while China was important to Iran, Tehran also had proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, besides the Houthis in Yemen, and its regional alliances and priorities played a major role in its decision making, one of the Iranian insiders said.

Asked for comment about meetings with Iran to discuss the Red Sea attacks, China's ministry of foreign affairs said: "China is a sincere friend of the countries of the Middle East and is committed to promoting regional security and stability and seeking common development and prosperity."

"We firmly support Middle Eastern countries in strengthening their strategic independence and uniting and collaborating to resolve regional security issues," it told Reuters.

Iran's foreign ministry was not immediately available to comment.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Axis of resistance</h2>

Military&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;by US&nbsp;and British forces on Houthi targets in Yemen this month have failed to stop attacks on shipping by the group, which controls a large chunk of Yemen including the capital Sanaa and much of the country's Red Sea coast by the Bab al-Mandab strait.

The Houthis, who first emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, are&nbsp;armed, funded and trained&nbsp;by Iran and are part of its anti-West, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance".

A senior U.S. official said Washington had asked China to use its leverage with Iran to persuade it to restrain the Houthis, including in conversations Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had this month with senior Chinese Communist Party official Liu Jianchao.

A senior Iranian official said while Chinese officials discussed their concerns thoroughly in the meetings, they never mentioned any requests from Washington.

On Jan. 14, China's foreign minister Wang Yi&nbsp;called&nbsp;for an end to attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea - without naming the Houthis or mentioning Iran - and the maintenance of supply chains and the international trade order.

Victor Gao, chair professor at China's Soochow University, said China, as the world's biggest trading nation, was disproportionately affected by the shipping disruption and restoring stability in the Red Sea was a priority.

But Gao, a former Chinese diplomat and an adviser to oil giant Saudi Aramco, said Beijing would view Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as the root cause of the Red Sea crisis and would not want to publicly ascribe blame to the Houthis.

A US&nbsp;State Department spokesperson declined to comment when asked about bilateral Iran-China discussions on the issue.

A diplomat familiar with the matter said China had been talking to Iran about the issue but it was unclear how seriously Tehran was taking Beijing's advice.

Two officials in the Yemeni government, an enemy of the Houthis, said they were aware that several countries, including China, had sought to influence Iran to rein the Houthis in.

Analysts Gregory Brew of Eurasia Group and Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said China had potential leverage over Iran because of its oil purchases and because Iran was hoping to attract more Chinese direct investment in future.

However, both said China had so far been reluctant to use its leverage, for several reasons.

"China prefers to free-ride on the U.S. safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea by bloodying the Houthis' nose," said Vaez, adding that Beijing was also aware that Iran did not have total control over its Yemeni allies.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">Influence not absolute</h2>

Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said on Thursday that Iran to date had not conveyed any message from China about scaling back attacks.

"They will not inform us of such a request, especially since Iran's stated position is to support Yemen. It condemned the American-British strikes on Yemen, and considered Yemen's position honourable and responsible," he said.

The four Iranian sources said it was unclear whether Iran would take any action following the discussions with Beijing.

The stakes are high for Iran as China is one of the few powers capable of providing the billions of dollars of investment Tehran needs to maintain the capacity of its oil sector and keep its economy afloat.

China's influence was evident in 2023 when it facilitated an agreement between Iran and regional rival Saudi Arabia to end years of hostilities.

Yet while there are robust economic ties between China and Iran, Beijing's influence on Tehran's geopolitical decisions was not absolute, one of the Iranian insiders said.

Some within Iran's ruling establishment have questioned the value of the partnership with Beijing, pointing to relatively low non-oil trade and investment volumes since China and Iran signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021.

Iranian state media says Chinese firms have only invested $185 million since then. State media also said last year that Iranian non-oil exports to China fell 68% in the first five months of 2023 while Iran's imports from China rose 40%.

By contrast, Chinese companies committed last year to invest billions in Saudi Arabia after the countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022.

Two of the Iranian insiders said while China could not be ignored, Tehran had other priorities to consider and its decisions were shaped by a complex interplay of factors.

"Regional alliances and priorities as well as ideological considerations contribute significantly to Tehran's decisions," one of the people said.

The second person said Iran's rulers had to adopt a nuanced strategy when it came to the Gaza war, as well as the Houthi attacks, and that Tehran would not abandon its allies.

Iran's role as leader of its "Axis of Resistance" - which includes the Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hamas and militias in Iraq and Syria - had to be balanced against avoiding getting sucked into a regional war over Gaza, the Iranian sources said.

Tehran's messaging to - and about - the Houthis required a measure of deniability about the extent of its control over them - but also an ability to claim some credit for their anti-Israel actions, one of the people said.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing, four Iranian sources and a diplomat familiar with the matter said.

Chinese officials have asked their Iranian counterparts to help rein in attacks on ships in the Red Sea by the Iran-backed Houthis, or risk harming business relations with Beijing, four Iranian sources and a diplomat familiar with the matter said. The discussions about the attacks and trade between China and Iran took place at several recent meetings in Beijing and Tehran, the Iranian sources said, declining to provide details about when they took place or who attended. "Basically, China says: 'If our interests are harmed in any way, it will impact our business with Tehran. So tell the Houthis to show restraint'," said one Iranian official briefed on the talks, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity. The attacks, which the Houthis say are in support of Palestinians in Gaza, have raised the cost of shipping and insurance by disrupting a key trade route between Asia and Europe used widely by ships from China. The Chinese officials, however, did not make any specific comments or threats about how Beijing's trading relationship with Iran could be affected if its interests were damaged by Houthi attacks, the four Iranian sources said. While China has been Iran's biggest trading partner for the past decade, their trade relationship is lopsided. Chinese oil refiners, for example, bought over 90% of Iran's crude exports last year, according to tanker tracking data from trade analytics firm Kpler, as US sanctions kept many other customers away and Chinese firms profited from heavy discounts. Iranian oil, though, only accounts for 10% of China's crude imports and Beijing has an array of suppliers that could plug shortfalls from elsewhere. The Iranian sources said Beijing had made it clear it would be very disappointed with Tehran if any vessels linked to China were hit, or the country's interests were affected in any way. But while China was important to Iran, Tehran also had proxies in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, besides the Houthis in Yemen, and its regional alliances and priorities played a major role in its decision making, one of the Iranian insiders said. Asked for comment about meetings with Iran to discuss the Red Sea attacks, China's ministry of foreign affairs said: "China is a sincere friend of the countries of the Middle East and is committed to promoting regional security and stability and seeking common development and prosperity." "We firmly support Middle Eastern countries in strengthening their strategic independence and uniting and collaborating to resolve regional security issues," it told Reuters. Iran's foreign ministry was not immediately available to comment. Axis of resistance Military strikes by US and British forces on Houthi targets in Yemen this month have failed to stop attacks on shipping by the group, which controls a large chunk of Yemen including the capital Sanaa and much of the country's Red Sea coast by the Bab al-Mandab strait. The Houthis, who first emerged in the 1980s as an armed group in opposition to Saudi Arabia's Sunni religious influence in Yemen, are armed, funded and trained by Iran and are part of its anti-West, anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance". A senior U.S. official said Washington had asked China to use its leverage with Iran to persuade it to restrain the Houthis, including in conversations Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had this month with senior Chinese Communist Party official Liu Jianchao. A senior Iranian official said while Chinese officials discussed their concerns thoroughly in the meetings, they never mentioned any requests from Washington. On Jan. 14, China's foreign minister Wang Yi called for an end to attacks on civilian ships in the Red Sea - without naming the Houthis or mentioning Iran - and the maintenance of supply chains and the international trade order. Victor Gao, chair professor at China's Soochow University, said China, as the world's biggest trading nation, was disproportionately affected by the shipping disruption and restoring stability in the Red Sea was a priority. But Gao, a former Chinese diplomat and an adviser to oil giant Saudi Aramco, said Beijing would view Israel's treatment of the Palestinians as the root cause of the Red Sea crisis and would not want to publicly ascribe blame to the Houthis. A US State Department spokesperson declined to comment when asked about bilateral Iran-China discussions on the issue. A diplomat familiar with the matter said China had been talking to Iran about the issue but it was unclear how seriously Tehran was taking Beijing's advice. Two officials in the Yemeni government, an enemy of the Houthis, said they were aware that several countries, including China, had sought to influence Iran to rein the Houthis in. Analysts Gregory Brew of Eurasia Group and Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group said China had potential leverage over Iran because of its oil purchases and because Iran was hoping to attract more Chinese direct investment in future. However, both said China had so far been reluctant to use its leverage, for several reasons. "China prefers to free-ride on the U.S. safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea by bloodying the Houthis' nose," said Vaez, adding that Beijing was also aware that Iran did not have total control over its Yemeni allies. Influence not absolute Houthi spokesman Mohammed Abdulsalam said on Thursday that Iran to date had not conveyed any message from China about scaling back attacks. "They will not inform us of such a request, especially since Iran's stated position is to support Yemen. It condemned the American-British strikes on Yemen, and considered Yemen's position honourable and responsible," he said. The four Iranian sources said it was unclear whether Iran would take any action following the discussions with Beijing. The stakes are high for Iran as China is one of the few powers capable of providing the billions of dollars of investment Tehran needs to maintain the capacity of its oil sector and keep its economy afloat. China's influence was evident in 2023 when it facilitated an agreement between Iran and regional rival Saudi Arabia to end years of hostilities. Yet while there are robust economic ties between China and Iran, Beijing's influence on Tehran's geopolitical decisions was not absolute, one of the Iranian insiders said. Some within Iran's ruling establishment have questioned the value of the partnership with Beijing, pointing to relatively low non-oil trade and investment volumes since China and Iran signed a 25-year cooperation agreement in 2021. Iranian state media says Chinese firms have only invested $185 million since then. State media also said last year that Iranian non-oil exports to China fell 68% in the first five months of 2023 while Iran's imports from China rose 40%. By contrast, Chinese companies committed last year to invest billions in Saudi Arabia after the countries signed a comprehensive strategic partnership in December 2022. Two of the Iranian insiders said while China could not be ignored, Tehran had other priorities to consider and its decisions were shaped by a complex interplay of factors. "Regional alliances and priorities as well as ideological considerations contribute significantly to Tehran's decisions," one of the people said. The second person said Iran's rulers had to adopt a nuanced strategy when it came to the Gaza war, as well as the Houthi attacks, and that Tehran would not abandon its allies. Iran's role as leader of its "Axis of Resistance" - which includes the Houthis, Lebanon's Hezbollah, Hamas and militias in Iraq and Syria - had to be balanced against avoiding getting sucked into a regional war over Gaza, the Iranian sources said. Tehran's messaging to - and about - the Houthis required a measure of deniability about the extent of its control over them - but also an ability to claim some credit for their anti-Israel actions, one of the people said.

China presses Iran to rein in Houthi attacks in Red Sea, sources say

Two months of constant attacks by the Houthis have a taken a toll on the global supply chain. A global logistics firm states that over 500 ships have now skipped their usual Red Sea route. This has not only added to transport costs but also delayed crucial shipments around the world.

Red Sea attacks threaten global supply chain

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter's visit to India as a chief guest on Republic Day held discussions&nbsp;concerning the Red Sea conflict.

In a press briefing, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said, "With regard to developments in the Red Sea, the disruptions, the potential disruption, and the actual things happening in the maritime domain there, which is causing disruption to commercial shipping, indeed is a matter of serious concern, and both leaders focused on it."

The two leaders, Kwatra said, also discussed&nbsp;bilateral partnership and&nbsp;the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Various aspects of the&nbsp;West Asia conflict including, "the terror dimension, the humanitarian dimension, the civil disruption dimension, all those things came up for discussion and both leaders shared their perspectives..." Kwatra noted.&nbsp;

Highlighting the robust defence cooperation between India and France, Kwatra said, the two countries have agreed to adopt defence production roadmap.

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It will involve identifying areas for partnership in the "defence industrial sector that prioritise co-designing, co-development, co-production and also building the defence supply chains between the two countries so that they can not only fulfil the defence needs of India and France, but also can be a useful contributor to the security partnership with other countries who might be in use of similar products."&nbsp;

Speaking on the specific agreements reached during the visit, Kwatra detailed, "These are the documents which have been agreed upon. Roadmap on the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap. Second is an agreement on Defence space partnership. Third- an MoU between New Space India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace with regard to satellite launches. An industrial partnership between Tata and Airbus helicopters for the production of H125 helicopters with a significant indigenous and localization component."

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"Agreement between Department of Science and Technology... Also an agreement between two ministries of health on healthcare cooperation, education, training and research. This would include the space of digital health and the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector...It's been agreed that the year 2026 will be celebrated as the India-France year of innovation," the foreign secretary added.&nbsp;

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Kwatra also shared information on the completion of the Indian consulate in Marseille, and the French bureau in Hyderabad and plans to establish a solar academy in Senegal under the International Solar Alliance.

"The year 2026 will be celebrated as India-France year of innovation," Kwatra said.&nbsp;

He also provided additional details on President Macron's visit, mentioning the 40-member delegation accompanying him, the meeting between the Indian External Affairs Minister and the French Foreign Minister, and the cultural experiences shared between the leaders during their talks in Jaipur.

President Macron's presence at the Republic Day parade, including an at-home reception and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, were also highlighted in the press briefing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter's visit to India as a chief guest on Republic Day held discussions concerning the Red Sea conflict.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron during the latter's visit to India as a chief guest on Republic Day held discussions concerning the Red Sea conflict. In a press briefing, Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said, "With regard to developments in the Red Sea, the disruptions, the potential disruption, and the actual things happening in the maritime domain there, which is causing disruption to commercial shipping, indeed is a matter of serious concern, and both leaders focused on it." The two leaders, Kwatra said, also discussed bilateral partnership and the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Various aspects of the West Asia conflict including, "the terror dimension, the humanitarian dimension, the civil disruption dimension, all those things came up for discussion and both leaders shared their perspectives..." Kwatra noted. Highlighting the robust defence cooperation between India and France, Kwatra said, the two countries have agreed to adopt defence production roadmap. Also Read | Russia's Putin heaps praise on PM Modi, says 'can rely on India because...' It will involve identifying areas for partnership in the "defence industrial sector that prioritise co-designing, co-development, co-production and also building the defence supply chains between the two countries so that they can not only fulfil the defence needs of India and France, but also can be a useful contributor to the security partnership with other countries who might be in use of similar products." Speaking on the specific agreements reached during the visit, Kwatra detailed, "These are the documents which have been agreed upon. Roadmap on the India-France Defence Industrial Roadmap. Second is an agreement on Defence space partnership. Third- an MoU between New Space India Limited (NSIL) and Arianespace with regard to satellite launches. An industrial partnership between Tata and Airbus helicopters for the production of H125 helicopters with a significant indigenous and localization component." Also Read | Republic Day 2024 Parade: Women-led spectacle with Ram, Rafale, G20 success and Indo-French bonhomie "Agreement between Department of Science and Technology... Also an agreement between two ministries of health on healthcare cooperation, education, training and research. This would include the space of digital health and the use of artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector...It's been agreed that the year 2026 will be celebrated as the India-France year of innovation," the foreign secretary added. Watch | Padma Awards 2024: 132 awardees conferred with India's second-highest civilian honour × Kwatra also shared information on the completion of the Indian consulate in Marseille, and the French bureau in Hyderabad and plans to establish a solar academy in Senegal under the International Solar Alliance. "The year 2026 will be celebrated as India-France year of innovation," Kwatra said. He also provided additional details on President Macron's visit, mentioning the 40-member delegation accompanying him, the meeting between the Indian External Affairs Minister and the French Foreign Minister, and the cultural experiences shared between the leaders during their talks in Jaipur. President Macron's presence at the Republic Day parade, including an at-home reception and a state banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu, were also highlighted in the press briefing. (With inputs from agencies)

India-France talks: Modi, Macron address maritime disruptions in Red Sea, to strengthen defence ties

US has carried out fresh strikes on Houthi missiles in Yemen, Iraq sites. As tensions reach a tipping point in West Asia, Washington has reportedly urged China to help curb Red Sea attacks by Iran-backed Houthis. On this episode of Gravitas, we ask, will America lose every war that it has started?

Gravitas: America fighter jets bomb Iran-backed targets in Iraq, Yemen

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