Archive · 18 Sep 2026
India Condemns Houthi Attacks, Warns of Red Sea Instability
India is worried about worsening fighting near Yemen, Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea.
It condemned attacks that Saudi authorities said affected civilian and energy facilities.
India also criticized an attempted attack near Makkah.
Saudi officials said a drone was intercepted near the city.
The Houthis denied trying to target Makkah and said they were aiming at oil facilities and military bases.
India said the violence could make the region less safe.
It also warned that ships may face problems using the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Disruptions there could affect oil and other goods moving between regions.
India is separately monitoring the case of an Indian national detained in Saudi Arabia.
India condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian territory, including strikes affecting civilians and economic facilities.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the escalation threatens regional peace, security and freedom of navigation.
India specifically cited risks to shipping through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key Red Sea passage.
Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition said attacks hit infrastructure and a drone was intercepted near Makkah; the Houthis denied targeting the city.
India also said it is monitoring an Indian national’s detention in Saudi Arabia, while regional fighting raised concerns about oil and cargo flows.
- Who
- India, represented by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, condemned attacks attributed to the Houthi movement; Saudi authorities and the Houthis gave differing accounts of the targets.
- What
- India expressed concern over escalating violence and said attacks on Saudi territory threaten regional stability and maritime navigation.
- When
- Jaiswal made the remarks during the Ministry of External Affairs’ bi-weekly briefing on Friday, after a week of intensified fighting.
- Where
- The reported violence involved Yemen, Saudi Arabian territory, the Red Sea, the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and areas near Makkah.
- Why
- India said attacks affecting civilians and economic facilities undermine regional security and could disrupt shipping, oil supplies and cargo flows.
Saudi and Indian Account
Houthi Account
Targets of the attacks
Saudi and Indian Account
Saudi authorities and India described attacks affecting Saudi sovereign territory, civilians and economic or energy facilities; Saudi authorities also reported an attempted attack near Makkah.
Houthi Account
The Houthis denied targeting Makkah and said their operations were directed at oil facilities and military bases.
Effect on regional security
Saudi and Indian Account
India said the attacks undermine regional peace and security and threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
Houthi Account
The articles do not provide a direct Houthi response to India’s broader assessment of regional security or maritime navigation.
Impact on shipping and energy
Saudi and Indian Account
The reports said violence near the Red Sea could raise shipping costs and disrupt oil and cargo flows.
Houthi Account
The articles do not give a separate Houthi account of the potential effect on commercial shipping.
- Country issuing condemnation
- India
- Spokesperson
- Randhir Jaiswal
- Reported target
- Saudi Arabian territory, including civilian and economic facilities
- Maritime passage at risk
- The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait
- Reported Makkah incident
- Saudi authorities and the Saudi-led coalition said a drone was intercepted south of Makkah; the Houthis denied targeting the city
- India’s position
- The escalation is unacceptable and India wants an early restoration of peace and stability
- Additional consular matter
- India is monitoring the case of an Indian national detained in Saudi Arabia
