A devastating drone and missile strike targeting the international airport in Riyadh has sharply escalated tensions across the Gulf region. The attack claimed 12 lives and left more than 300 individuals wounded. India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed through an official statement that 11 Indian nationals sustained injuries in the incident. In response, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia established close coordination with local administrative authorities and hospital management to supervise medical treatment and support for the injured citizens.
The Ministry of External Affairs registered strong objections to the deliberate targeting of civilian populations and public infrastructure. Condemning the act in uncompromising terms, the ministry stated that assaults on non-military targets are entirely unacceptable and must cease immediately. Addressing the strike that occurred on October 10, the ministry pointed to the severe loss of life, numerous casualties, and extensive damage inflicted on property. India conveyed heartfelt condolences to the families of those killed and wished a swift recovery to all who were injured.
India Backs Saudi Sovereignty and Calls for Urgent Regional Peace
Reaffirming its diplomatic stance, India declared full solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia in defending the kingdom's sovereignty. The foreign ministry expressed hope for an early restoration of peace, stability, and normalcy throughout the region. India's firm reaction coincides with a disturbing pattern of escalating attacks aimed at aviation hubs across Saudi Arabia. These persistent strikes have heightened grave concerns regarding passenger safety, the welfare of residents, and overall regional security. India reiterated that strikes against civilian locations cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Previous Strikes and Safety Advisories for Expatriates
This incident follows earlier denunciations from New Delhi on October 8, when the Ministry of External Affairs condemned strikes carried out against two Saudi airports. Those facilities had been targeted by Houthi insurgents, prompting the Indian government to denounce attacks on civil installations as inadmissible. Following those earlier incidents, India issued a caution advisory directed at Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia, urging them to exercise heightened vigilance, strictly adhere to guidelines released by local civic authorities, and monitor official safety communications.
King Khalid Airport Casualties and the Broader Conflict
Earlier strikes at King Khalid International Airport had already resulted in four fatalities, alongside extensive structural damage sustained by a Saudi commercial airliner parked on the tarmac. The latest barrage is identified among the deadliest attacks experienced on Saudi soil in over a decade. Officials reported that the count of injured individuals subsequently climbed to 309, following initial tallies exceeding 300. The scale of destruction has raised pressing questions surrounding the performance of air defense umbrellas protecting critical Saudi airspace.
Saudi Arabia leads a sustained military campaign backing the Yemeni government against Houthi fighters, who receive backing from Iran. As cross-border attacks increasingly disrupt civilian transport links and infrastructure, India has intensified its diplomatic appeal for prioritizing non-combatant safety and achieving an immediate, lasting cessation of hostilities across the region.
