India on Friday expressed deep concern over the escalating security situation in the Red Sea region and condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory, including attacks targeting civilians and economic assets.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also referred to India’s statement following the attempted attack on the holy city of Makkah.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
India condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory.
The attacks included those targeting civilians and economic assets.
India also referred to the attempted attack on Makkah.
New Delhi expressed concern over the escalating security situation in the Red Sea.
India said the developments threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.
India rejected Pakistan’s allegations over the INS Kolkata–PNS Hunain collision.
Jaiswal said such attacks undermine regional peace and security and threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. He said India considers the developments unacceptable and expressed hope for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
Separately, India rejected Pakistan’s allegations concerning the recent collision between INS Kolkata and Pakistan Navy vessel PNS Hunain in the western Arabian Sea.
Jaiswal said INS Kolkata was on a routine deployment when PNS Hunain carried out what India described as an unacceptable and unprofessional manoeuvre, resulting in the collision.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The MEA statements address two separate regional security developments: the deteriorating security situation around the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia, and the naval collision involving Indian and Pakistani vessels in the Arabian Sea. India has called for regional peace and stability while also urging adherence to bilateral agreements and international maritime rules.
According to the Indian side, the dangerous overtaking manoeuvre by PNS Hunain was in gross violation of Article 10 of the April 1991 Agreement between India and Pakistan on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troops Movements. India said the provision requires naval units at sea to maintain a distance of at least three nautical miles from each other.
India further said the Pakistani vessel infringed the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea. Jaiswal said Pakistan had again been advised to ensure that its military units exercise due caution and respect relevant agreements between the two countries.
Jaiswal also said INS Kolkata did not suffer any major damage in the incident and remains at sea. Pakistan has presented a different account of the collision, which India has rejected.
