India has expressed deep concern over the escalating security situation in the Red Sea region. Briefing media in New Delhi this afternoon, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal condemned the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign territory, including attacks targeting civilians and economic assets. He said India had also issued a statement following the attempted attack on the holy city of Makkah. Mr. Jaiswal said such attacks undermine regional peace and security.
They also threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab al-Mandab. He said such incidents are totally unacceptable and expressed hope for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
On the collision between a Pakistan Navy vessel and an Indian warship, Mr. Jaiswal said India had taken note of Pakistan’s response to its protest. He categorically rejected the allegations and insinuations made by Pakistan. He said INS Kolkata was on routine deployment in the western Arabian Sea when Pakistan Navy ship PNS Hunain carried out an unacceptable and unprofessional manoeuvre, resulting in the collision.
Mr. Jaiswal said the dangerous overtaking manoeuvre by PNS Hunain was a gross violation of Article 10 of the 1991 India-Pakistan Agreement on Advance Notice on Military Exercises, Manoeuvres and Troop Movements. He said the provision requires naval units at sea to maintain a distance of at least three nautical miles from each other. He added that the Pakistani vessel also violated the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea.
Mr. Jaiswal said Pakistan has again been advised to ensure that its military units exercise due caution and respect the relevant agreements between the two countries. He said INS Kolkata did not suffer any major damage and remains at sea.
Replying to a query on the US Sanctions on Russia and Iran Act, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has conveyed at senior levels of the US administration the possible implications of the Act for India’s energy security, global energy markets and overall bilateral relations. He said India continues to source energy from diversified sources. Mr. Jaiswal reiterated that energy sourcing is guided by national interest. He stressed that meeting the energy needs of 1.4 billion Indians is an imperative.
On the Maldives, Mr. Jaiswal said India and the Maldives share a longstanding development partnership. He said the final tranche of 50 million dollars in Treasury Bills, out of a total of 150 million dollars subscribed by the State Bank of India, was settled yesterday. The T-Bills were subscribed by SBI in 2019 and were extended six times, for one year each.
Mr. Jaiswal said the Government of Maldives repaid the principal amount. However, the interest on the 150-million-dollar T-Bills over the past five years was borne by the Government of India. He said India paid nearly 45 million dollars in interest. India has also extended a 30-billion-rupee currency swap facility to Maldives to support its financial system.In addition, India has subscribed to 350 million dollars worth of Maldivian Treasury Bonds, which are valid until 2029 and 2030.
