India condemns Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, calls Red Sea escalation ‘totally unacceptable’

India on Friday expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Red Sea and condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian territory, including strikes affecting civilians and economic assets. The government also said it was monitoring the case of an Indian national reportedly detained in Saudi Arabia over an unpaid penalty linked to a 2018 road accident.

During a bi-weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks were affecting regional security and threatening freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab, a key maritime passage connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden.

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"We are deeply concerned about the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area... We have expressed our condemnation of the attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including on civilians and economic assets. You would have also seen a statement which we issued following the attempted attack on the holy city of Makkah," he said.

"Such attacks vitiate regional security, impact or undermine regional peace and security, and also threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab. For various reasons, this is totally unacceptable to us. We hope that there is an early restoration of peace and stability in the region," he added.

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The remarks came amid renewed tensions involving Yemen's Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia. Saudi air defences recently intercepted a drone launched from Yemen south of Makkah Al-Mukarramah, also known as Mecca, before it entered the restricted airspace around the holy city.

The Houthis have denied launching a drone towards Mecca. Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree rejected Saudi Arabia's claim and said the group's operations were aimed at Saudi military and oil facilities away from Islamic holy sites.

In a statement posted on Telegram, Saree described the Saudi claim as "fabrications and lies" and said Houthi operations were directed at "its oil facilities and military bases, which are far removed from the sacred sites."

The Saudi-led coalition had described the intercepted drone as a "hostile and terrorist act" and said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a "red line".

MEA monitoring case of Indian national in Saudi Arabia

The MEA also said it was monitoring the case of Indramani Nautiyal, a resident of Tehri Garhwal in Uttarakhand, who is reportedly being detained in Saudi Arabia in connection with an unpaid penalty of about Rs 2.29 crore imposed on the company he worked for after a road accident in 2018.

Jaiswal said Indian diplomatic officials were in contact with the Saudi authorities regarding the welfare of Indian citizens facing such situations.

"Whenever any issue of this nature arises involving an Indian citizen—concerning their interests or their welfare—our embassy, whether in Saudi Arabia or any other country, remains in continuous dialogue with the government there for their welfare and care," Jaiswal said.

Asked about Nautiyal's precise legal status and current condition, Jaiswal said the ministry was gathering details.

"In this case, you mentioned that he has received a prison sentence; currently, I do not have a specific response for you regarding what his exact situation is, but I will obtain the details on this matter and update you," Jaiswal added.

He also reiterated the government's position on the welfare of Indians overseas.

"However, one thing I want to state is that wherever Indian citizens may be across the world, it is our commitment that we are always devoted to their safety, care, and well-being."

Nautiyal reportedly travelled to Saudi Arabia in 2018 for employment and worked as a truck driver with Pick Roads and Contracting Company in Riyadh. His family has sought help for his return to India.

In August, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking immediate intervention in the case, including legal and financial assistance and Nautiyal's safe repatriation.

The developments come amid continued fighting in Yemen and rising tensions in West Asia. The United States on Wednesday placed Saudi Arabia under a Level 3 "Reconsider travel" advisory and issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" warning for areas along the Yemen border, citing risks including armed conflict, terrorism and drone and missile attacks.