Maersk suspends shipping ops in Red Sea Strait for 48 hrs

Maersk suspends Red Sea strait passage for 48 hours after Yemeni rebels attack the Maersk Hangzhou container ship. The vessel faced additional aggression from four Houthi ships attempting to board it. India heavily relies on the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait for trade with the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. Closure of the route increases voyage distances by 40% and raises transportation time and cost. India faces increased costs and security risks, prompting efforts to diversify trade routes and enhance regional maritime security cooperation.