Yemen’s Houthi rebels seized the UAE-flagged ship Rwabee in the Red Sea on January 2 this year

India on Tuesday said it was closely monitoring developments following the seizure of the UAE flagged ship ‘Rwabee’ off the port of Hodeidah in Yemen by Houthis.

“We are in touch with the company operating the ship and have been informed that out of the 11 crew members on board the ship, seven are from India,” Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said in response to media queries on Indian sailors on the UAE flagged ship seized by Houthis.

“We also understand from the company and other sources that all Indian crew members are safe. The Government of India is making all efforts to secure their early release. We urge the Houthis to ensure the safety and well-being of the crew members and release them immediately,” Bagchi added.

India has expressed its concern at the recent intensification of fighting in Yemen.

However, it has expressed its hope that “All parties will come to the negotiating table to find a peaceful resolution to the Yemen issue.”

Yemen’s Houthi rebels seized the UAE flagged ship ‘Rwabee’ in the Red Sea, this year on January 2. Information about the seizure of the UAE flagged ship was first passed on by the British military’s United Kingdom Marine Trade Operations.