India condemns attempted drone strike near Makkah

Indian officials said on Wednesday that New Delhi strongly condemned an attempted drone strike near Makkah by Houthi militants in Saudi Arabia, raising regional stability and shipping security concerns.

Officials said the incident heightens worries about attacks on maritime routes after similar incidents in the region; they flagged the Bab-el-Mandeb strait as particularly vulnerable given its role in Red Sea transits and crude exports.

Bab-el-Mandeb transit risk

Officials warned the strike could exacerbate pressure on shipping in the southern Red Sea corridor, prompting insurers to reassess cover and some carriers to consider alternative routes to avoid the strait. Higher insurance and fuel costs, officials said, would raise logistics bills for exporters and importers that rely on the corridor.

Officials also said the episode adds diplomatic strain for countries with security and commercial interests in the Gulf and Red Sea. New Delhi’s public condemnation, officials added, signals concern for regional pilgrims and for Indian-linked maritime traffic.

Monitor official statements and maritime advisories over the next 48 hours through September 18 for indications of coordinated naval escorts, insurance notices or carrier rerouting that would alter shipping flows and near-term market risk.