India denounces Houthi strikes in Red Sea and raises concerns over detained worker in Saudi Arabia
India condemned recent Houthi attacks on Saudi territory and warned they threaten Red Sea navigation, while the foreign ministry said it is monitoring the case of Indian truck driver Indramani Nautiyal, who is reportedly being held in Saudi Arabia.
India’s foreign ministry sharply criticized the escalation of Houthi attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, stating that the strikes on civilians and commercial assets jeopardize regional stability and the free flow of maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandeb strait. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal described the actions as "totally unacceptable" and expressed hope for an early restoration of peace. In the same briefing, the ministry highlighted the plight of Indramani Nautiyal, a truck driver from Gaursada village in Tehri Garhwal, who is said to be held in a hostage-like condition in Saudi Arabia after a court sentenced him and imposed a fine of about ₹2.29 crore.
The government is maintaining constant diplomatic contact with Saudi officials to protect his safety and explore options for his return. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has already appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar for assistance. The statements come amid broader tensions in West Asia, where Houthi forces are advancing in Yemen and Saudi Arabia faces pressure to respond.
Why it matters
The condemnation signals India's stance on Red Sea security, and the diplomatic effort underscores its duty to protect citizens abroad.
How this story developed
- Sep 8 Houthi strikes wound dozens in Saudi cities as coalition vows retaliation
- Sep 12 Experts noted Iran now influences both the Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab chokepoints.
- Sep 13 Houthis announced a drone and missile strike on Saudi Sharurah military base.
- Sep 13 Iraq seized a drone‑launching platform suspected of being used in the strike and dismissed the Maysan provincial commander.
- Sep 13 Saudi east‑west oil pipeline shut after a drone strike.
- Sep 13 Houthis allege Saudi forces carried out more than 50 attacks on their targets in a single day.
- Sep 14 In a post on X, the European Commission President condemned the Houthi assault on Saudi and American military sites, calling it an act of aggression. She stressed that the EU will continue cooperating with Gulf partners to ensure secure, free shipping through the Hormuz Strait. The statement also highlighted the broader goal of Middle-East stability, which the EU views as a shared interest. The Houthi group claimed to have launched dozens of ballistic missiles and drones, citing retaliation for Saudi air strikes in Yemen. Saudi officials responded by ordering air patrols in several southern regions.
- Sep 15 Houthi forces reported seizing the Greater and Lesser Hanish islands.
- Sep 15 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met President Abdel Fattah al‑Sisi in Cairo to discuss Red Sea navigation and retaliation against the Houthis.
- Sep 16 Saudi civil defense issued emergency shelter warnings for Jeddah, Mecca and Taif.
- Sep 16 Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a drone aimed at Mecca and accused Iran-backed Houthi rebels of the plot, which the rebels denied.
- Sep 16 Saudi Arabia announced the cancellation of September crude cargoes to Europe.
- Sep 16 Saudi coalition announced a drone it said was Houthi‑linked was heading toward Mecca and triggered a brief security alert.
- Sep 16 Houthis seized coastal towns and islands at the mouth of the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
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