India condemns Houthi strikes on Saudi oil facilities, flags Bab el‑Mandeb danger

New Delhi was quick to voice its disapproval on Wednesday after the Houthis launched yet another wave of missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia’s southern oil and gas hubs. The attacks, which set fire to a handful of energy installations and left dozens injured, were labelled “unacceptable” by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

Jaiswal told reporters that striking civilian and economic infrastructure in a sovereign nation is a “dangerous escalation” that could undermine regional stability. He added that such moves also threaten the free flow of navigation through the Bab el‑Mandeb, the narrow strait that links the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden – a chokepoint that handles a sizable share of the world’s oil trade.

According to Saudi officials, the strikes hit sites in Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan and Najran. Fires erupted at several facilities, operations were temporarily suspended and at least 73 civilians – including women and children – were wounded. Saudi‑led coalition spokesperson Major‑General Turki al‑Maliki called the attacks a blatant violation of Saudi sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the United States echoed similar concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly linked the Houthis to Tehran, describing the Yemeni group as an Iranian proxy and saying Washington is closely monitoring the situation. The U.S. also reaffirmed its defensive partnership with Saudi Arabia.

The Houthis, for their part, claim the strikes are a retaliation against Saudi military operations in Yemen. Their spokesperson Yahya Saree said they used ballistic missiles and drones, alleging that Saudi forces had carried out over 120 strikes in the past three days – a figure that could not be independently verified.

Beyond the immediate drama, the episode highlights the fragility of a region already grappling with conflict. The Bab el‑Mandeb is more than just a waterway; it is a lifeline for global shipping and energy markets. Any disruption there can send ripples through oil prices and trade routes worldwide.

India has consistently urged all parties to exercise restraint and protect civilian infrastructure. As fighting in Yemen intensifies, New Delhi’s warning serves as a reminder that the stakes extend far beyond the battlefields – they touch the very arteries of global commerce.