India asserts open Bab al‑Mandeb shipping under international law

India’s Ministry of External Affairs reiterated that, under international law, maritime routes such as the Bab al‑Mandeb Strait must remain open for commercial navigation. Spokesperson Ranvir Jaiswal told media that “the world’s trade, global economic security and energy security depend on keeping international sea lanes open.”

The Yemen‑based Houthi movement responded that it has not closed the strait, limiting any restrictions to vessels linked to Saudi Arabia. Houthi spokesman Muhammad Abdul Salam said the measures are a counter‑action to the Saudi‑led blockade of Houthi‑controlled areas. The group also claimed to have targeted two Saudi‑linked oil tankers, “Encelia” and “Laila,” with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones, stating that the attacks set the tankers on fire and were fully successful.