- 23 October, 2026
NEW DELHI, October 23, 2026: Indian authorities are seeking verified information about 14 Indian nationals reportedly aboard a yacht that came under attack near Zuqar Island in the southern Red Sea, after Yemen’s Houthi forces claimed they were attempting to rescue those on board.
The circumstances of the reported incident on October 22 remain unclear, with the Indian mission responsible for Yemen saying it was contacting various parties to establish the facts and determine the whereabouts and safety of the nationals.
Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed on Thursday that Saudi forces had targeted the yacht. He said Yemeni forces were undertaking rescue efforts and promised further details. The allegations have not been independently verified.
The Houthi spokesperson also accused Saudi Arabia of threatening international navigation in the Red Sea.
Indian mission seeks reliable information
The Embassy of India, which is based in Riyadh and concurrently accredited to Yemen, said it had taken note of reports concerning the 14 Indians and was working to establish their whereabouts and safety.
In an update, the mission said the prevailing conflict situation had made it difficult to obtain precise information. It added that it had contacted multiple parties to verify the circumstances surrounding the reported incident.
The embassy said it would provide further updates once authentic information became available and reiterated its commitment to extending all possible assistance to the Indian nationals concerned.
Indian killed in attack on Saudi airport
The reported maritime incident comes amid escalating regional tensions following an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, on Wednesday night.
Saudi authorities confirmed that two people, including an Indian national, were killed in the attack. Two other Indian nationals sustained injuries, according to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
The embassy said it was in contact with the affected families and gathering further information. It also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
India condemns attacks on civilian infrastructure
India on Thursday strongly condemned attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the strike on Dammam airport and an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21.
The Ministry of External Affairs said the attacks had resulted in civilian casualties and injuries, calling for an immediate halt to such actions.
“Attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure are completely unacceptable and must cease immediately,” the ministry said, expressing solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirming support for its sovereignty.
Red Sea security concerns intensify
The reported yacht incident adds to growing concerns over maritime security in the Red Sea amid escalating hostilities involving the Houthis and Saudi Arabia.
The Houthis have accused Saudi forces of conducting air and missile strikes across several Yemeni provinces, while attacks and threats affecting commercial shipping have heightened concerns over the safety of vessels navigating the strategic waterway.
With the details of the reported incident still unconfirmed, Indian authorities are continuing efforts to establish what happened and ensure the safety of the 14 nationals.
Source: NDTV
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