Riyadh appreciates growing international support for the "Defensive Maritime Alliance"
Riyadh-New Delhi-Agencies: The Saudi cabinet, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, praised the growing international support for joining the multinational maritime defense coalition launched by Saudi Arabia, as part of its efforts stemming from its “pioneering role in consolidating regional and international security and stability, and strengthening multilateral cooperation among countries on various levels,” including building a joint cooperation framework to protect international shipping routes, trade routes, and energy supplies from escalating threats in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab Strait, and the Gulf of Aden.
Meanwhile, a senior Saudi official denied in a statement reported by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels on Tuesday that there were any talks with the Houthi militias in Muscat or through any intermediary. Western media, including Bloomberg, had reported that the Kingdom was holding talks, sponsored by the Sultanate of Oman, with the Houthis in the capital Muscat to contain recent tensions, particularly in the Red Sea.
Riyadh had strongly condemned what it described as remarks made by the spokesperson for the so-called Houthi terrorist militia. Saudi Arabia also emphasized that peace in Yemen will not be achieved through slogans or political evasion, but through sincere will that places the interests of Yemen and its people above all else, and rejects violence, dependency, and external agendas that have prolonged the conflict and exacerbated the suffering of millions.
In a related development, India condemned the attack on the cargo ship “Faiz Nour Aliya 1451,” which was flying the Indian flag, in the Red Sea off the Yemeni coast, which led to its sinking. India called for an end to targeting commercial ships and for ensuring freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday evening that the continued attacks on commercial ships in the region are causing deep concern, stressing the need to put an end to these assaults and restore freedom of navigation and trade through international waterways without obstacles, in line with the provisions of international law.
India expressed its gratitude to the Yemeni authorities for the support provided in the rescue operations for the 14 crew members, noting that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with Yemeni authorities to ensure the safety and security of the crew.
Earlier, Indian Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal announced that an Indian ship had been hit by a projectile while near Yemeni waters, leading to its sinking, and confirmed that all 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, had been rescued and safely transferred to the port of Mokha.
