India Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia, Citing Threats to Regional Security
New Delhi has issued a strong rebuke against the intensifying aggression by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, declaring their recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabian territory as completely unacceptable. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that these provocations not only destabilize the Middle East but also pose a direct threat to the critical maritime routes surrounding the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
During a regular media briefing on Friday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal expressed India’s “deep concern” regarding the volatile security environment in the Red Sea. He underscored that India unequivocally condemns any hostility directed at Saudi Arabia, particularly those targeting civilian infrastructure and the holy city of Makkah.
Protecting Maritime Stability and Energy Interests
The concern expressed by New Delhi is rooted in the strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. As regional tensions rise, the strait has become a vital lifeline for India’s energy security. The necessity of this corridor has grown significantly, especially following the disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Jaiswal emphasized that the Houthi movement’s actions—which include strikes on merchant vessels and economic assets—vitiate the atmosphere required for regional peace. By threatening the freedom of navigation, these groups are jeopardizing the global flow of goods and energy, a scenario that India views as a significant diplomatic and economic challenge.
“Such attacks, I need not elaborate or reiterate, vitiate regional security, undermine regional peace and security and also threaten freedom of navigation in the Bab el-Mandeb,” Jaiswal stated. He added that India remains hopeful for an early restoration of stability in the region to prevent further escalation.
Diplomatic Engagements and Safety of Nationals
The Houthi offensive, which has seen the group seize additional territory near the strategic strait, was a key topic of discussion during recent high-level diplomatic exchanges. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar addressed the situation directly with his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, while attending the BRICS Summit on September 13. These talks reflect a shared commitment between New Delhi and Riyadh to counter the influence of militant groups that threaten the sovereignty of nations and the security of trade routes.
Amidst the heightened rhetoric and active hostilities, the Indian government has taken proactive steps to monitor the safety of its citizens in the conflict zone. Spokesperson Jaiswal confirmed that all Indian nationals currently residing in Yemen remain safe. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia is maintaining constant communication with the diaspora to provide assistance and ensure their continued well-being.
As the situation in the Red Sea continues to evolve, India’s stance remains clear: the targeting of sovereign territory and the disruption of international shipping lanes are intolerable. New Delhi continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint to prevent the further spillover of the West Asia conflict.
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