India calls Red Sea escalation ‘totally unacceptable’, flags threat to global navigation

India on Friday expressed deep concern over the escalating security situation in the Red Sea and strongly condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabian territory, warning that continued hostilities pose a serious threat to regional stability and freedom of navigation through the strategically important Bab-el-Mandeb strait.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the escalation as “totally unacceptable” and said attacks targeting Saudi sovereign territory, including civilians and economic assets, were undermining peace and security across the region. New Delhi also referred to the attempted attack on the holy city of Mecca, which it had separately condemned, as it called for an early restoration of peace and stability.

India voices concern

Addressing the media, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India remained deeply concerned about the worsening security environment in the Red Sea area and had made its position clear on attacks against Saudi Arabia.

“We are deeply concerned about the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area,” Jaiswal said, adding that India had condemned attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including those directed at civilians and economic assets.

He said such attacks damaged regional security, undermined prospects for peace and posed a direct challenge to the freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb, one of the world's most strategically important maritime passages.

The narrow waterway connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea and serves as a crucial gateway for vessels travelling between Asia and Europe through the Suez Canal. Any prolonged disruption in the area can have wider consequences for commercial shipping, energy movements and global supply chains.

Mecca attack condemned

India's comments also came against the backdrop of an attempted attack on Mecca. Jaiswal pointed to New Delhi's earlier statement condemning the incident as part of its broader concern over attacks targeting Saudi Arabia.

The MEA said the latest developments were not merely a bilateral security issue for countries directly involved in the confrontation, but had implications for international maritime traffic and stability across the wider region.

India has significant economic and strategic interests in maintaining uninterrupted maritime movement through the waters connecting the Arabian Sea, Gulf of Aden and Red Sea. The route remains important for India's trade with Europe and other markets and for the movement of energy and commercial cargo.

Navigation under threat

The latest escalation has renewed concerns over the security of commercial vessels using the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb. Houthi attacks in and around the maritime corridor have repeatedly raised concerns over shipping safety, forcing vessels to reassess routes and security risks.

New Delhi's emphasis on freedom of navigation reflects the wider economic consequences of instability along the corridor. Disruptions can force ships to take considerably longer routes, adding to freight costs, voyage times and pressure on international supply chains.

India said the immediate priority should be preventing further escalation and restoring stability. “We hope that there is an early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said, as New Delhi reiterated its opposition to attacks that endanger civilians, economic infrastructure and international navigation.