India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia

India firmly denounced recent Houthi assaults on Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, particularly the targeting of civilian and economic facilities, labeling such actions as unacceptable and warning of the threat they pose to regional stability and freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait. Speaking to media inquiries, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's strong condemnation of the attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, emphasizing that they undermine regional security and stability while jeopardizing freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb. The attacks, according to Jaiswal, are wholly unacceptable.

This condemnation followed a day after Saudi Arabia expressed its own strong disapproval of a series of Houthi attacks on civilian and economic establishments in Abha, Jazan, Khamis Mushait, and Najran, resulting in 73 injuries among civilians, including women and children. Riyadh also denounced ongoing attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea and alleged persistent threats to international maritime navigation, reaffirming its complete rejection of the militant's hostile actions and criminal conduct.

The Saudi foreign ministry maintained the right to take necessary measures to protect its territory, strategic assets, citizens, and residents in line with international law.

Saudi Arabia further warned against the repercussions of the terrorist Houthi militia's continued targeting of innocent civilians and civilian facilities, stressing the need for an immediate cessation of all escalation by the militia and its persistent threats to maritime navigation security. The kingdom called for stronger international action, including the implementation of relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, especially Resolution 2216 and Resolution 2722.

India's condemnation underscores the nation's apprehension that attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping could exacerbate regional instability and disrupt freedom of navigation along crucial international sea lanes, a vital route for global trade and shipping.