‘Totally unacceptable to us’: India condemns Houthi attacks, highlights Red Sea security risks | Today’s news
India has stepped up its criticism of the escalating security situation in the Red Sea and strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilians and economic assets.
During a fortnightly briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal on Friday reiterated India’s concerns, noting that continued attacks undermine regional security and threaten freedom of navigation on key international sea lanes, including the Bab al-Mandeb.
He said: “We are deeply concerned about the escalation of the security situation in the Red Sea region… We have expressed our condemnation of attacks on the sovereign territory of Saudi Arabia, including attacks on civilians and economic assets. You would also see the statement we issued after the attempted attack on the holy city of Mecca.”
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“Such attacks disrupt regional security, affect or undermine regional peace and security, and also threaten the freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab. For various reasons, this is completely unacceptable to us. We hope that peace and stability will soon be restored in the region,” he added.
MEA is monitoring an Indian citizen allegedly held in Saudi Arabia
In addition, the MEA reiterated its commitment to the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad following the appeal regarding Indramani Nautiyal, a resident of Tehri Garhwal, Uttarakhand, who is allegedly being held hostage in Saudi Arabia. Nautical report
Jaiswal said the government is actively monitoring the situation through India’s diplomatic channels.
“Whenever any issue of this nature arises regarding an Indian citizen – regarding their interests or their welfare – our embassy, whether in Saudi Arabia or any other country, remains in constant dialogue with the government there for their welfare and care,” Jaiswal said.
When asked about the exact legal position of Nautiyal, he said details of the case were still being gathered.
“In this case you have mentioned that he has received a custodial sentence; I do not have a concrete answer for you at this time as to his exact situation, but I will get details on the matter and will update you,” Jaiswal added.
“However, one thing I want to say is that wherever Indian citizens are in the world, it is our commitment that we will always be concerned with their safety, care and welfare.”
Indramani Nautiyal, son of Devi Ram Nautiyal and a resident of Gaursada village in Jaunpur block of Tehri Garhwal district, traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2018 in search of employment. He worked as a truck driver for Pick Roads and Contracting Company in Riyadh, the report said.
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Although several years have passed since the incident, the owner of the company has reportedly not paid the fine, which is estimated to be around ₹2.29 crore in Indian currency. Nautiyal is reportedly being held in a hostage situation and is being pressured to pay the amount. His wife and daughter tried at various levels to secure his return to India but failed to get the help they needed. As a result, the family faces serious psychological and financial problems.
In August, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, in his letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, mentioned the entire matter and asked the authorities concerned to take immediate steps to secure Nautiyal’s release, provide him with necessary legal and financial assistance and ensure his safe repatriation to India.
It comes against the backdrop of a simmering conflict in West Asia as fighting in Yemen intensifies as Houthi rebels advance towards an area controlled by the Saudi-backed government, while Saudi Arabia faces growing pressure to respond.
