Archive · 16 Sep 2026
India Condemns Houthi Strikes, Warns of Bab-el-Mandeb Threat
India criticized attacks by the Houthi movement against Saudi Arabia.
The attacks targeted important civilian and economic facilities, including an oil pipeline.
India said this violence could make shipping through the Bab-el-Mandeb more dangerous.
The Bab-el-Mandeb is a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.
India said the attacks could harm peace and stability in the region.
The issue was discussed by Indian and Saudi foreign ministers at the BRICS Summit.
India said it still receives energy supplies from the region.
In a separate incident near Oman, a ship carrying 14 Indian nationals was attacked.
Omani authorities helped rescue 13 people, while the search for one missing Indian continues.
India condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s civilian infrastructure and economic assets.
Randhir Jaiswal said the strikes undermine regional stability and threaten navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb.
S Jaishankar discussed the Houthi attacks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud at the BRICS Summit.
The Houthi movement attacked Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, a key route for crude exports.
Thirteen of 14 Indians aboard a Panama-flagged ship were rescued after an attack near Oman, while one remains missing.
- Who
- India, represented by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, condemned attacks attributed to the Houthi movement; 14 Indian nationals were involved in a separate shipping incident.
- What
- India warned that Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia threaten regional stability, civilian infrastructure, economic assets and safe navigation; one Indian seafarer remains missing.
- When
- The statement was made Tuesday; S Jaishankar and Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud discussed the issue on Sunday at the BRICS Summit. India also condemned attacks the previous week.
- Where
- The attacks involved Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea region, while the separate ship incident occurred off Oman. The Bab-el-Mandeb lies between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
- Why
- India said the attacks are unacceptable because they threaten civilian infrastructure, commercial shipping, seafarers, international waterways and freedom of navigation.
- India’s position
- India expressed serious concern over Houthi attacks and called for an early restoration of regional peace and stability.
- Key official
- External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued the remarks.
- Diplomatic discussion
- S Jaishankar discussed the Houthi issue with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud during a BRICS Summit meeting.
- Targeted infrastructure
- The Houthi movement attacked Saudi Arabia’s East-West oil pipeline, described as crucial for crude-oil supplies and exports.
- Maritime chokepoint
- The Bab-el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea.
- Indian nationals rescued
- Thirteen of 14 Indian nationals aboard a Panama-flagged ship attacked near Oman were rescued.
- Search operation
- One Indian national remains missing, and search and rescue efforts continue with help from Omani authorities.
