India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia as strikes hit civilian and economic sites, injuring 73 people and raising regional security concerns.
India has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in West Asia after a major Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia. The strikes targeted civilian and economic sites in several southern Saudi cities.
Saudi authorities said 73 people were injured in the attacks. Women and children were among those hurt, according to the European Union and Saudi officials.
The attacks hit Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jazan and Najran. Energy facilities were also affected, with fires reported at some sites.
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India’s position on the regional escalation
India has consistently stressed the importance of security and freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. At the United Nations, India condemned Houthi attacks on maritime navigation and called protection of the Bab el-Mandeb a shared international responsibility.
New Delhi has also been closely monitoring developments across West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs recently said regional developments have implications for national security and regional stability.
The latest Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia have added another layer to the widening regional conflict. The strikes also raise concerns about energy supplies and shipping through nearby maritime routes.
Houthi strikes hit key Saudi facilities
The Houthis claimed responsibility for a broad missile and drone operation against Saudi Arabia. Targets included an airbase, an airport and facilities linked to Saudi oil giant Aramco.
The Saudi-led coalition said the attacks targeted civilian and economic infrastructure. Saudi authorities described the escalation as a serious threat to the Kingdom’s security.
The attacks also affected energy operations. Reuters reported that oil installations caught fire, while some operations were temporarily disrupted.
Saudi Arabia vows to protect its interests
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Riyadh would use available means to protect its interests. He also said Saudi Arabia would defend itself against Houthi aggression.
The Saudi position has received strong backing from Gulf and Arab countries. The GCC condemned the attacks and said they threatened regional and international security.
The European Union also condemned the attacks on Saudi civilian and economic infrastructure. It said the escalation undermined regional security and stability.
Red Sea security remains a major concern
The latest escalation has wider implications because of the region’s importance to global shipping. The Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb are key routes linking Asian and European trade.
India has repeatedly highlighted the need for safe and unhindered maritime navigation. New Delhi has also condemned attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
The situation is being closely watched as the wider West Asia conflict continues. Further attacks could increase pressure on energy markets and international shipping.
Yemen conflict enters a dangerous phase
The latest escalation comes after years of conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces in Yemen. A UN-backed truce had largely reduced major fighting after 2022.
The situation has deteriorated again amid renewed fighting across Yemen. The latest violence has increased displacement and humanitarian concerns.
The World Health Organization has reported more than 1,000 people killed or wounded since August 24. More than 21,000 people have also been displaced since the latest fighting intensified.
For India, the wider escalation matters because of its impact on regional stability, energy supplies and maritime security. The Red Sea is also important for India’s trade routes with Europe and West Asia.
Editorial note: Keep the headline’s claim about India only if you have a verified MEA statement or official Indian source. The latest reports I found independently verify the Saudi attacks, casualties and international condemnation, but not the exact wording attributed to India.
