UAE withdraws from U.S.-led maritime coalition in the Gulf

Subject : International Relations

Section: International Affairs

Concept :

The United Arab Emirates has withdrawn from a U.S.-led maritime coalition tasked with securing tense Gulf waterways that are vital to the global oil trade.

Background

The Bahrain-headquartered CMF was established in 2001, initially as a partnership between 12 nations.
It is active in crucial but troubled Gulf waters where tankers have been seized and attacked in recent months.

Details

India is not a member of CMF. At the India-US 2+2 dialogue held in April (2022), India had announced that it would join the CMF as an Associate Partner.
Associate members to provide resources, personnel and cooperative engagement based on the needs and requirements.
The Indian Navy could be contributing a warship whenever required.

Combined Maritime Forces

It is a multinational naval partnership to promote security, stability and prosperity.
This is a 34 members grouping commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.
The maritime forces are based in Bahrain and undertake counter-terrorism, counter-piracy and regional cooperation.
Pakistan is a full member of the Combined Maritime Forces.
It comprises three task forces:
CTF 150 (maritime security and counter-terrorism).
CTF 151 (counter-piracy).
CTF 152 (Arabian Gulf security and cooperation).
It is a flexible organization and members are not bound by either a political or military mandate.
India has in the past cooperated with CMF on various occasions.