India Condemns Houthi Attacks, Flags Red Sea Navigation Risks
India voiced deep concern over Red Sea security, condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, and said it is monitoring the case of an Indian national in Saudi custody.
India has sharpened its criticism of the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea, condemning Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including strikes targeting civilians and economic assets.
At the Ministry of External Affairs' bi-weekly briefing on Friday, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi views the escalation with deep concern. The attacks, he said, undermine regional peace and security and threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb, a vital international maritime corridor.
"Such attacks vitiate regional security, impact or undermine regional peace and security, and also threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab. For various reasons, this is totally unacceptable to us," Jaiswal said, adding that India hopes for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
He recalled India's condemnation of attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including on civilians and economic assets, and a statement issued after the attempted attack on the holy city of Makkah.
Indian national in Saudi custody
Separately, the MEA said it is actively tracking the case of Indramani Nautiyal, a resident of Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, who is reportedly being held in a hostage-like situation in Saudi Arabia.
Jaiswal said Indian diplomatic channels remain in continuous dialogue with the Saudi government on matters concerning the welfare of Indian citizens. Asked about Nautiyal's exact legal status, he said details were still being gathered and that he would update once more information was available.
"Wherever Indian citizens may be across the world, it is our commitment that we are always devoted to their safety, care, and well-being," he said.
Nautiyal, a resident of Gaursada village in Jaunpur block, travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2018 for work and was employed as a truck driver with a contracting company in Riyadh. Several years on, the company owner has reportedly not paid a fine estimated at about ₹2.29 crore, and Nautiyal is allegedly being pressured to pay the amount while being kept in a hostage-like situation. His wife and daughter have sought help at multiple levels without success, and the family is said to be under severe mental and financial strain.
In August, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking immediate steps to secure Nautiyal's release, legal and financial assistance, and his safe repatriation.
The developments come amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with fighting intensifying in Yemen as Houthi rebels push towards a Saudi-backed government-held area and pressure grows on Riyadh to respond.