India condemns Houthi strikes on Saudi energy sites and merchant vessels
India reiterated its opposition to Houthi attacks on merchant shipping and civilian infrastructure in West Asia, calling such strikes unacceptable and harmful to navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
India’s external affairs ministry condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure and on commercial vessels, describing them as unacceptable violations of civilian safety and navigation rights. The ministry highlighted that strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities caused fires, injured 73 people and forced the temporary closure of the 1,200-km East-West oil pipeline, which supplies up to 5 % of global oil.
It also warned that such actions undermine stability in the Red Sea region and threaten free passage through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for Saudi exports after the Strait of Hormuz closure. The comments came after an Indian seafarer went missing when the Panama-flagged tanker MT El Gaia was hit off Oman; Omani authorities rescued 13 crew members and rescue efforts continue. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised the issue with Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud during the BRICS summit, reiterating India’s hope for a swift return to peace.
Despite the tensions, India continues to import energy from the region, with Saudi Arabia remaining a top supplier alongside Russia. The statement underscores India’s concern for its nationals, who represent over 12 % of the global merchant fleet.
Why it matters
The attacks jeopardize global oil supplies and the safety of international shipping lanes vital to world trade.
How this story developed
- Sep 3 European gas prices hit three-year high as winter energy outlook grows bleak
- Sep 12 Rough’s production licence is set to expire in April, ending extraction at the site.
- Sep 14 Two unnamed sources said that the East-West crude line was hit by a drone strike, halting most of its operations. Repair work, including the main pumping station, is expected to take between three and five weeks. One source indicated the pipeline might run at reduced capacity while fixes are underway. U.S. officials confirmed projectiles struck pumping stations on the line. Satellite images show significant damage at the affected sites.
- Sep 14 President Donald Trump indicated that Iran wants to negotiate with the United States.
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