A surge in piracy threats in the Indian Ocean has ignited concern among global maritime authorities, driven by the escalating conflict in the Red Sea. Recent intelligence and warnings from EU and regional naval operations indicate that Somali pirates, reawakened by instability in the Red Sea, are increasingly targeting commercial shipping routes stretching from the Gulf of Aden through the Indian Ocean and, in a growing number of cases, into the Singapore Strait. The resurgence underscores the deepening challenges in maritime security, as geopolitical instability spills over into one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
Rising Threats and Strategic Targets
EU NAVFOR, the European Union's naval operation dedicated to countering piracy in the region, recently reported that armed gangs have begun deploying from Somali shores, targeting vessels navigating the Indian Ocean. This warning, echoed by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), is particularly concerning as it recalls the peak piracy activity that plagued these waters a decade ago. Ships transiting from the Gulf of Aden to the Singapore Strait are now urged to exercise heightened vigilance, with special attention advised near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, where conflict-related disruptions have left maritime defenses weakened.
The Red Sea crisis, which has intensified due to regional conflicts involving the Houthis and other groups, has provided both an opportunity and a tactical advantage to Somali pirate networks. The increased naval focus on the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has drawn resources away from the wider Indian Ocean, creating an environment in which piracy can once again flourish. Somali pirate gangs, well-acquainted with maritime routes in the Indian Ocean, are now exploiting the crisis to execute hijackings and extort ransom payments from vessel operators.
Naval Operations Strain and Security Gaps
The strategic realignment of naval forces has stretched resources thin, particularly as regional powers including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt focus their attention on the Red Sea, leaving critical zones across the Indian Ocean exposed. While India’s navy, one of the key regional forces, has increased its patrols and reinforced its presence in the Red Sea, covering the Indian Ocean’s vast expanse presents a significant challenge. According to a recent analysis by Foreign Policy, the crisis has spotlighted the inherent vulnerability in India’s maritime defense strategy, exacerbated by its overstretched resources as it continues to manage tensions in the Indo-Pacific region as well.
This resource allocation issue has sparked urgent discussions within the Indian Navy and regional coalitions. The Indian Navy has taken a leading role, employing naval aircraft and unmanned aerial systems to detect and monitor suspicious movements. However, as Rear Admiral Aditya Narayanan noted, “No amount of aerial surveillance or deterrent force can entirely prevent these sporadic attacks when an extensive area such as the Indian Ocean lacks consistent naval presence.”
The Impact on Global Shipping
The resurgence of piracy poses a serious risk to global trade flows, as the Indian Ocean is a primary artery for energy supplies and commercial cargo between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. The maritime traffic along this corridor represents an estimated 20 percent of global trade, placing immense pressure on ship operators to mitigate piracy risks while maintaining profitable operations.
With the shifting dynamics, the costs associated with anti-piracy measures—such as armed guards, fortified shipping protocols, and route diversions—are on the rise. These costs not only affect shipping companies but also risk further disruptions to global supply chains, potentially impacting goods prices. Major insurance firms are reevaluating their risk models for the region, a change likely to drive up shipping costs and, ultimately, consumer prices worldwide. Industry leaders have warned that without international coordination and renewed focus, this resurgence of piracy could have long-term consequences.
Calls for Renewed International Collaboration
Maritime security experts are urging a robust, multilateral response to counter this renewed wave of piracy. The EU, with support from NATO and key regional actors, has called for an expanded mandate that extends the EU NAVFOR operation into the Indian Ocean, potentially creating a more coordinated defense strategy. A senior official within EU NAVFOR stated, “We must prevent the crisis from the Red Sea spilling over into the Indian Ocean on a more sustained level. Increased naval patrols are necessary to protect this vital region.”
The EU is also exploring partnerships with the African Union to strengthen coastal defenses in Somalia, focusing on building local resilience to deter pirate activities at their source. However, budgetary constraints and complex regional dynamics continue to complicate these efforts, underscoring the need for wider support from the international community.
Localised and Long-Term Solutions
In the long term, countering piracy in the Indian Ocean will require not only coordinated naval patrols but also addressing the underlying socioeconomic issues that have long fueled Somali piracy. Poverty, lack of economic opportunities, and the absence of stable governance continue to drive piracy as a viable livelihood for many in the region. Efforts led by international development organisations to create sustainable employment and economic support for coastal communities in Somalia remain critical to stemming the piracy tide.
