Introduction
Overview of Escalation: The Israel-Hamas war has intensified conflicts in West Asia, complicating the Yemen peace process.
Impact on India: Regional instability has significant implications for India’s interests, including the safety of Indian nationals and economic ties.
Yemen Conflict: A Background
1. The Yemeni Uprising
Arab Spring Impact: The Yemeni conflict traces back to the 2011 Arab Spring, where protests demanded employment, justice, and an end to President Ali Abdullah Saleh’s three-decade rule.
Transition Plan: Saleh stepped down in 2012 under a Gulf Cooperation Council-led transition, with Vice President Abdo Rabbu Mansour Hadi taking over. The plan included a two-year transition period involving national dialogue, constitutional amendments, and elections.
2. The Ongoing Conflict
Houthi Rebellion: The transition was disrupted by Houthi rebels in 2014, leading to prolonged conflict. The Houthis, backed by Iran, seized the capital Sanaa and overthrew Hadi's government.
Saudi-led Coalition: In 2015, Saudi Arabia formed a coalition of 10 countries, including Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Sudan, and the UAE, to restore the internationally recognized government (IRG). They launched military operations codenamed Operation Decisive Storm, later renamed Operation Restoring Hope, but failed to fully push back the rebels.
Humanitarian Crisis
Devastation: The conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises, with 233,000 deaths, including 131,000 from indirect causes like lack of food, health services, and infrastructure.
Displacement and Hunger: As of 2024, 18.2 million need humanitarian aid, 17.6 million face food insecurity, and 4.5 million are displaced. The UN describes Yemen as experiencing one of the “world’s worst humanitarian crises.”
Israel-Hamas War and Yemen Conflict
1. Truce and Negotiations
UN-brokered Truce: A truce in April 2022 and subsequent negotiations between Houthis and Saudi Arabia showed promise for peace.
China-mediated Talks: The Saudi-Iran rapprochement in 2023 further raised hopes for resolving the Yemen conflict, with some observers believing it could positively impact Yemen peace efforts.
2. Escalation Post Israel-Hamas War
Houthi Involvement: The October 7 Hamas attack, called "Operation Al-Aqsa Storm," led to Houthis attacking ships in the Red Sea in solidarity with Palestinians. This action disrupted the progress made in Yemen peace talks.
US and UK Response: The US and UK retaliated with strikes against Houthi targets, further complicating the conflict.
Impact on India
1. Safety of Indian Nationals
Evacuations: In April 2015, India evacuated 4,741 Indians and 1,947 foreign nationals from Yemen under Operation Rahat due to escalating violence. The Indian Embassy was relocated to Djibouti for safety.
2. Humanitarian and Diplomatic Efforts
Aid Provision: India has provided extensive humanitarian aid to Yemen. In August 2012 and March 2013, it provided rice and wheat valued at $2 million each. In 2015 and 2017, medical assistance was extended, and in 2021, India supplied 360,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines under the COVAX programme.
3. Economic Implications
Trade Decline: Bilateral trade between India and Yemen dropped from $2,258 million in 2010-11 to $716.52 million in 2017-18.
Energy Imports: Yemen’s share in India’s energy imports, which stood at 2.80% in 2009-10, reduced to nil by 2015-16 due to the conflict, impacting India's overall energy strategy.
4. Regional Stability
Energy Security: India’s economic growth relies heavily on energy imports from the Gulf, which fulfill nearly 60% of its needs. Instability in West Asia threatens this vital supply.
Connectivity Initiatives: Projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, International North-South Transport Corridor, and Chabahar port development hinge on regional stability for successful implementation.
Conclusion
Grave Concerns: The escalation in West Asia, spurred by the Israel-Hamas war and its ripple effects, poses significant challenges to regional stability and impacts emerging powers like India.
Note: In this CAPF essay, the world limit has been crossed to give you more information, you can take relevant portions as per your need. Further, we have given subheadings for your reference. When you write in the UPSC exam, you don't need to do that.
Relevance for UPSC CAPF AC Essay Writing
Insight into Geopolitics: This article offers crucial insights into West Asia’s geopolitical dynamics, relevant for UPSC CAPF AC essay writing.
Understanding Conflicts: It helps in understanding the impact of regional conflicts on national interests, vital for UPSC CAPF current affairs.
Preparation Aid: The detailed analysis supports UPSC CAPF AC syllabus 2024, providing context for essay topics and current affairs.
Comprehensive Exam Preparation: This information is valuable for exams like CDS, NDA, SSB, AFCAT, CSE, IAS, and IB ACIO, enhancing knowledge of international conflicts and their implications.
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