14 Indians Safe in Yemen Following Maritime Incident, Says MEA
New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that 14 Indian nationals, who were aboard a dhow involved in a maritime incident off the coast of Yemen, have been located and are safe. The government is currently coordinating efforts to ensure their welfare and to facilitate their eventual return to India.
During a bi-weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed concerns regarding the vessel, which reportedly came under threat in the Red Sea. While some reports from the region suggested that Houthi forces had intervened to assist the crew, the Indian government has focused its efforts on verifying the safety of its citizens through diplomatic channels and community networks.
Current Situation in Hodeidah
“We understand that all 14 individuals are currently located in Hodeidah and are safe,” Jaiswal stated. He added that the Indian mission is actively working to establish contact with the nationals to provide any necessary support. “Our priority is to reach out to them through local partners and community members to assess how we can best look after their well-being and explore the logistics of their return.”
The incident reportedly took place near Yuqar Island. Arab media outlets cited Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree, who claimed that the vessel was targeted by Saudi-led forces before being rescued by Houthi personnel. While the Indian embassy is still working to verify the exact circumstances and the source of the initial threat, it has confirmed that the crew is out of immediate danger.
The situation occurs against a backdrop of heightened regional tension, with ongoing hostilities between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi-led forces. This incident follows a particularly violent week in the region, during which an Indian national was killed and three others sustained injuries in separate strikes on Saudi Arabian infrastructure.
Assistance for Stranded Pilgrims
Beyond the maritime incident, the Ministry also addressed the ongoing challenges faced by Indian pilgrims currently stranded in Saudi Arabia. Jaiswal noted that the Indian embassy and consulate are working around the clock to facilitate the repatriation of these citizens.
Over the past week, approximately 3,000 stranded Umrah pilgrims have successfully returned to India on available commercial flights. Furthermore, the Ministry reported that over 10,000 pilgrims who had scheduled bookings have also managed to travel home. To ensure the safety of those still awaiting transit, 24/7 control rooms have been established in Riyadh and Jeddah. Volunteers and consular staff remain in constant communication with the stranded groups, issuing regular advisories and providing essential assistance.
Stance on Regional Connectivity
During the briefing, the spokesperson was also questioned on the potential revival of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC). Jaiswal reiterated India’s firm support for enhancing connectivity across the region, though he remained pointedly vague regarding the stagnation of the intergovernmental organization. Without explicitly naming a specific nation, he alluded to the persistent obstacles preventing the bloc from functioning effectively, noting that the reasons for the current impasse are well-understood and have not changed.
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