New Delhi, September 18 (Daily Kiran) : India has voiced serious concerns regarding the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea region and recent attempts to attack the holy city of Mecca. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that these developments pose a significant threat not only to regional stability but also to the freedom of maritime navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
During a bi-weekly press briefing in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned these attacks and urged for a swift restoration of peace and stability in the area. He remarked, “We are troubled by the worsening security situation in the Red Sea. You may have seen our previous statements on this matter. We have condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign borders and its citizens, as well as the economic assets.”
Following the attempted attack on Mecca, Jaiswal emphasized that such actions undermine regional security arrangements and threaten peace and safety in the region. He added, “This situation is entirely unacceptable to us for numerous reasons. We hope for a quick return to peace and stability in the area.”
The spokesperson expressed particular alarm over a drone attack near Mecca, highlighting the city’s immense religious significance for Muslims worldwide. “We are extremely concerned about the drone attack near Mecca. India strongly condemns any assaults on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory and activities that jeopardize civilian lives and infrastructure,” he said. Jaiswal reiterated India’s hope for the prompt restoration of peace and stability in the region.
This statement from the Ministry of External Affairs came in the wake of an incident where Saudi Arabia’s Royal Air Defense Forces intercepted a hostile drone launched by Houthi rebels before it could enter the restricted airspace over Mecca. Earlier this week, the Ministry had also expressed deep concerns regarding the situation in the Red Sea amid recent attacks between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
During the media briefing, Jaiswal mentioned that India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had met with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister during the BRICS summit to discuss various issues, including regional and international developments. The topic of the Houthi group was part of their discussions, particularly following a recent attack on Saudi Arabia that India condemned. Jaiswal reiterated India’s grave concerns regarding the escalating tensions in the Red Sea.
He concluded by stating, “We condemn attacks targeting Saudi Arabia’s sovereign borders, civilian infrastructure, and economic assets. Such actions weaken regional stability and threaten the freedom of maritime navigation through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait. These activities are clearly unacceptable to us, and we hope for an urgent return to peace and stability in the region, especially as we rely on energy supplies from this part of the world.”
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