New Delhi, Oct 24:
All 14 Indian nationals who were aboard a dhow involved in an incident off the coast of Yemen are safe, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Friday. The government is making efforts to establish direct contact with them, ensure their well-being and explore options for their possible return to India.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had been in touch with various parties to obtain information about the incident. The Indian nationals were understood to be in Hodeidah, Yemen, he said, adding that the government would also seek assistance through members of the Indian community to reach them.
The incident came amid heightened tensions in the region. Reports in Arab media had quoted Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree as claiming that Saudi forces had targeted an Indian vessel near Yuqar Island in the Red Sea and that Houthi forces were assisting those on board. However, the Indian authorities had been seeking to establish the precise circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Indian Embassy in Yemen had earlier said it was contacting different parties to verify the available information. With the region facing a volatile security situation, India is continuing its efforts to confirm the facts and provide assistance to its nationals.