NEW DELHI 

Amid attacks in Red Sea and Arabian Sea, India said Monday it had deployed warships as a force deterrent in the region. 

“Considering the recent spate of attacks in the Arabian Sea, the Indian Navy has deployed Guided Missile Destroyers, INS Mormugao, INS Kochi and INS Kolkata (Guided Missile Destroyers) in various areas to maintain a deterrent presence,” an official statement said on Monday.

It said long-range maritime reconnaissance P8I aircraft are being regularly tasked to maintain domain awareness.

The step comes days after a drone strike targeted a merchant ship off India's western coast, causing an explosion and fire.

The statement said analysis of the area of attack and debris found on the vessel MV Chem Pluto points to a drone attack.

Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have significantly stepped up their involvement in the current conflict in the Gaza Strip by targeting vessels in the southern Red Sea.