New Delhi, 18 September (H.S.): India has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea region. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory, saying that such strikes targeting civilians and economic installations undermine regional peace and security and pose a threat to freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.

Speaking at the Ministry of External Affairs’ media briefing on Friday, Jaiswal said, “We are extremely concerned about the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea region.” He said India had condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory, which targeted civilians and economic installations.

The spokesperson said India had also issued a statement following an attempt to attack the holy city of Mecca. He said such attacks have an adverse impact on regional peace and security and undermine stability across the region.

Jaiswal further said that the attacks also pose a threat to freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb strait. He described the situation as unacceptable to India for several reasons and expressed hope that peace and stability would be restored in the region at the earliest.

The conflict between Yemen’s Houthi rebels and the Saudi-led military coalition, which had continued for nearly a decade, eased in 2022 following United Nations-mediated efforts. However, according to the report, the Houthis seized control of large stretches of the Red Sea coastline last week, raising concerns over the safety of vessels navigating the strategically important maritime route.

The continuing attacks by the Houthis have heightened concerns across the region. The potential impact is not limited to Arab countries and could also have implications for global oil markets.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar