New Delhi, September 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India on Friday expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea region and the attempted drone attack near Mecca, warning that such developments undermine regional stability and threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory, including those targeting civilians and economic infrastructure.
“We are deeply concerned about the escalation in the security situation in the Red Sea area. You would have seen our statement earlier as well. We have expressed our condemnation of the attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, including on civilians and economic assets,” Jaiswal said.
He said the attempted attack on the holy city of Mecca was particularly concerning and that such incidents undermine regional peace and security.
“Such attacks vitiate the regional security situation. They impact or undermine regional peace and security and also threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb,” he said.
“Obviously, for various reasons, this is totally unacceptable to us. We hope that there is an early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal added.
On the reported drone attack near Mecca, the MEA spokesperson said India was “deeply concerned” given the city’s special significance to Muslims worldwide.
India reiterated its condemnation of attacks on Saudi sovereign territory and actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure, he said.
The MEA’s statement followed reports that Saudi air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone before it entered the prohibited airspace around Mecca.
Earlier this week, Jaiswal had said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the regional situation, including the issue of the Houthis, with his Saudi counterpart on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.
India has also highlighted the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb, a key maritime passage, while noting that it continues to receive energy supplies from the region.
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