India condemns Houthi strikes on Saudi Arabia as energy security fears rise

New Delhi: India has called the reported Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia "unacceptable" after the Yemen-based rebels targeted energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in the kingdom, injuring at least 73 people, including women and children. Responding to a media query, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, particularly the targeting of civilian and economic facilities. "Such attacks that undermine regional security and stability and threaten freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb are unacceptable," Jaiswal said. The comments came after the Houthis reportedly launched a coordinated barrage of missiles and drones against four cities in southwestern Saudi Arabia - Abha, Khamis Mushait, Jizan and Najran - in one of the most significant attacks on the kingdom in recent months. The strikes reportedly hit civilian and economic sites, while fires broke out at energy facilities and some operations were temporarily suspended. The Houthis claimed that the strikes were carried out in retaliation for Saudi-backed military operations and recent strikes in Yemen. Saudi Arabia, however, described the assault as a "dangerous escalation" and a "blatant violation" of its sovereignty, with the Saudi-led coalition warning that it would take measures to deter further attacks. The attacks also raised concerns over the security of critical energy infrastructure in the world's largest oil-exporting country. Oil prices reportedly rose following reports of the strikes, emphasising fears that a wider regional conflict could disrupt energy supplies and further unsettle global markets. The escalation comes after a relative lull in hostilities between Riyadh and the Houthis following a UN-brokered truce in 2022. Recent fighting, however, has intensified in and around Yemen, raising fears that the conflict could once again spill across the Saudi border and draw in other regional actors. India's strong condemnation comes against the backdrop of its longstanding emphasis on regional stability, the protection of civilian infrastructure and the safety of vital maritime routes. New Delhi has also repeatedly highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb, a strategically important corridor for global trade and energy shipments. With Saudi Arabia warning of a firm response and the Houthis vowing to continue their campaign, the latest attacks risk opening another dangerous front in an already volatile West Asian security environment.