Mon Jul 28 09:23:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the information, written from an Indian perspective:

**The Hindu: Houthi Rebels Threaten Global Shipping, Raising Concerns for Indian Trade**

**Piraeus, Greece – July 28, 2025:** The Houthi rebel group in Yemen has announced a significant escalation in its campaign against Israel, threatening to target any merchant ship, regardless of nationality, that does business with Israeli ports. This development, reported on Sunday, July 27th, has raised concerns in India, which relies heavily on Red Sea shipping lanes for trade with Europe and the Middle East.

According to the Houthi statement, this action is the “fourth phase of the naval blockade” against Israel, a response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. The group previously targeted merchant vessels over the past two years, disrupting shipping through the Red Sea, a vital artery for global trade handling an estimated $1 trillion in goods annually.

Earlier this month, the Houthis sank two Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carriers, resulting in casualties and the capture of crew members. These attacks, along with the previous targeting of over 100 ships between November 2023 and December 2024, had only ceased during a brief ceasefire and subsequent U.S.-led airstrikes. While a deal was struck in May 2025 between the US and Houthi forces, a loophole around what constitutes an Israeli aligned target may have resulted in the conflict continuation.

Indian trade experts fear the Houthis’ broadened target list could severely impact the Indian economy. [Add Quote from Indian Trade Expert]. The Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and is expected to participate in international efforts to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the Red Sea. The Indian Navy may increase its presence in the region to protect Indian-flagged vessels.

The Houthis insist their actions will continue until Israel ends the war in Gaza and lifts its blockade on Palestinian territories. The international community is urged to pressure Israel to avert further escalation and protect global trade routes. The events are being closely followed in India, given the strategic importance of the Red Sea for its economic interests.

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