New Delhi: India on Friday expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea region and the reported attempted attack near Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Mecca, warning that the developments threaten regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Addressing a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the attacks on Saudi territory as unacceptable and called for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
India Raises Concern Over Red Sea Escalation
Jaiswal said India was deeply concerned about the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area and reiterated New Delhi’s condemnation of attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including those affecting civilians and economic assets.
He said such attacks undermine regional peace and security and also threaten freedom of navigation through the strategically important Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
“For various reasons, this is totally unacceptable to us. We hope that there is an early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said.
India Condemns Drone Attack Near Mecca
Jaiswal also expressed concern over the reported drone attack near Mecca, describing the incident as particularly concerning given the religious significance of the city to Muslims across the world.
“India reiterates its condemnation of attacks on the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and of actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure,” he said.
Saudi authorities said their air defences intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthis before it entered the prohibited airspace around Mecca. The Houthis, however, have denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites and said their operations were directed at Saudi military and oil facilities.
India had separately issued a statement on September 16 expressing concern over the drone attack near Makkah and calling for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
Jaishankar Discussed Regional Situation With Saudi Foreign Minister
Earlier this week, Jaiswal said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had discussed regional and international developments, including the situation involving the Houthis, with the Saudi Foreign Minister on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
India had also condemned attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including those targeting civilian infrastructure and economic assets.
Jaiswal said the developments were a matter of concern for India as the escalation could affect regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
He also noted that India continues to receive energy supplies from the region.