Former Indian envoy warns of escalation in the Middle East amid US and UK airstrikes in Yemen

According to Navtej Sarna, former Indian Envoy to the USA, the global situation appears to be on the brink of an escalation of what was so far restricted to Gaza.

Sarna said, “I wouldn't call it a sudden shift, but it is certainly a notch more in this creep towards escalation that we have been fearing and watching in the last three months. There is a figure which says 115 American personnel have been targeted in different countries, by adversaries of the United States since October 7, and what followed in Gaza."

"But definitely this is a major development in which the United States, UK and which has been supported by several Western European countries in particular, have actually demonstrated that they are willing to militarily get involved in the Middle East again. President Biden's statement also leaves it open ended, saying that more could follow. So yes, we are at the edge, I would say of escalation of what was so far restricted to Gaza,” Sarna stated in an interview to CNBC-TV18.

Characterizing the airstrikes as "barbaric," the Houthi rebels have vowed retaliation. Additionally, they have affirmed their commitment to targeting ships en-route to Israel.

Sarna acknowledged that India has substantial trade passing through Bab-el-Mandeb. However, he highlighted India's mature foreign policy, which prioritizes national interests while acknowledging the expectations from different sides for Indian support.