Syed Ata Hasnain, the Governor of Bihar and a former Lieutenant General with extensive expertise in the complex politics of the Middle East, has examined the issue in an article published on Basic Point Site. He argues that attacks on Saudi airports and energy infrastructure carry implications far beyond the physical damage they cause, challenging the kingdom's stability, aviation connectivity, investment ambitions and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's economic transformation programme.
The central question, he writes, is whether the Houthis are acting according to Iran's strategic objectives, operating independently, or have gained enough confidence to pursue targets that do not always align with Tehran's priorities.
Iranian Proxy or Independent Military Organisation?
Syed Ata Hasnain argues that describing the Houthis simply as Iranian proxies is no longer sufficient. Iranian assistance with weapons technology, training and strategy has transformed the Yemeni insurgency into a force capable of conducting long-range attacks. This relationship aligns with Tehran's preference for confronting stronger adversaries through geographically dispersed partners.
However, the Houthis are not an Iranian military organisation. Their origins, leadership, regional interests and political legitimacy are rooted in Yemen. Years of conflict have produced an experienced indigenous military organisation with ambitions of its own.
According to Hasnain, Iran can provide critical capabilities and benefit from Houthi operations without necessarily selecting every target or approving every attack. The Houthis, meanwhile, may launch campaigns to strengthen their domestic legitimacy, retaliate against Saudi actions or improve their negotiating position.
He argues that the most accurate assessment is that the Houthis retain considerable freedom to determine their own actions within an Iranian-backed strategic framework.
The suggestion that the group has suddenly become uncontrollable also appears inaccurate, he writes, because its selection of economic targets reflects careful calculation. Behind the escalation lies a considered strategy, even though circumstances could deteriorate to the point where operations extend beyond the original plan.
The danger, Hasnain warns, is that Houthi leaders could take risks that Tehran itself would prefer to avoid. Their growing capabilities and independent decision-making could therefore create consequences that extend beyond Iran's immediate strategic calculations.
Why Houthi Attacks Matter to India
Hasnain argues that India cannot remain a mere spectator as the situation develops. India's direct interests are at stake, including energy supplies from the Gulf, commercial shipping, economic relations with Saudi Arabia and the welfare of Indians working there. All depend on regional stability.
Threats to shipping through the Red Sea increase transit times, raise freight and insurance costs, and weaken the competitiveness of exports. The consequences would be particularly damaging if disruptions occurred simultaneously in the Bab el-Mandeb and Strait of Hormuz.
Amid the Houthi attacks, India therefore has a national interest in condemning strikes against civilian and economic infrastructure. Hasnain emphasises the need for practical measures to monitor maritime activity, coordinate with shipping operators, prepare emergency contingency plans, diversify energy sources and ensure the safety of Indian citizens.
These measures would help India protect its commercial and strategic interests as instability threatens critical regional transport and energy routes.
India's Diplomatic Strategy Amid Rising Regional Tensions
On the diplomatic front, Hasnain advises New Delhi to maintain communication with all sides. India's interests, he argues, lie neither in joining an anti-Iranian military alliance nor in tolerating attacks on Saudi Arabia and international trade.
Strategic autonomy, in this context, means maintaining dialogue with competing countries while protecting freedom of maritime navigation and economic security.
The challenge for India is to safeguard its energy supplies, shipping interests and citizens without becoming aligned exclusively with one side in the regional confrontation. As the Houthis demonstrate their capacity to strike sensitive targets deep inside Saudi Arabia, the implications extend beyond Yemen and the kingdom to the stability of the wider Middle East and the security of international commerce.
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