India condemns Saudi Arabia attacks, calls them 'unacceptable': MEA
Synopsis
India has officially condemned a series of attacks on Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure — including a strike on the Aramco headquarters — as 'totally unacceptable', while one Indian national has died and eight remain hospitalised from the 10 October attack. With flight disruptions hitting Riyadh, Dammam, Medina, and Jeddah, India's large Gulf diaspora faces a deepening crisis.
Key Takeaways
India on 14 October 2026 condemned attacks on Saudi Arabia's civilian infrastructure, calling them 'totally unacceptable'.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed an attack on Aramco headquarters occurred on 13 October .
One Indian national died and eight remain hospitalised — four in ICU — from the 10 October attack that injured 12 Indians.
Flight disruptions reported at Riyadh International Airport , Dammam , Medina , and Jeddah ; Indian carriers affected.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued advisories urging nationals to stay indoors during aerial attacks and avoid sharing unverified content.
India on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, reiterated its strong condemnation of attacks targeting civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) calling them 'totally unacceptable' and expressing solidarity with Riyadh in defence of its sovereignty. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also confirmed that one Indian national has died and eight others remain hospitalised — four of them in the ICU — following the 10 October attack.
India's Official Position
Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Jaiswal confirmed that the attacks have been a sustained pattern, including a strike on the Aramco headquarters on 13 October. 'We condemn all such attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and we feel that such attacks need to cease immediately, they are totally unacceptable,' he said. 'We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty and we hope that there is return to peace and normalcy in the region soon.'
The statement reflects India's long-standing policy of supporting Gulf nations' territorial integrity, given the country's deep economic and diaspora ties with the region. This comes amid a broader escalation of hostilities affecting multiple Gulf states, raising concerns about regional stability.
Indian Nationals Affected: Casualties and Hospitalisation
The 10 October attack left 12 Indian nationals injured. One of them has since passed away, with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh assisting the family in performing last rites in Riyadh as per the family's wishes. India's Ambassador was personally present. Of the remaining 11, three have been discharged while eight continue to receive treatment — four of them in the ICU. 'Our Embassy officials are regularly visiting them in the hospital. At the same time, they are also in touch with their family members,' Jaiswal said.
Flight Disruptions and Travel Advisories
The attacks on airports — including Riyadh International Airport, Dammam, Medina, and Jeddah — have caused significant disruption to air travel between India and Saudi Arabia. Indian carriers have been affected, with flights originating from or destined for these cities facing cancellations and schedule changes. Notably, Saudi Arabian Airlines has maintained several flight operations on the India-Saudi corridor.
The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued advisories urging the Indian community to remain calm, stay indoors during aerial attacks, and follow instructions from local authorities. It has also 'strongly advised' Indian nationals against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing conflict.
Diaspora Welfare and Embassy Response
India has a large diaspora in Saudi Arabia, making the escalating situation a matter of significant national concern. The Embassy has maintained regular contact with community members throughout the crisis. Jaiswal emphasised that efforts are ongoing to provide updated information to travellers and those currently stranded in the country. 'We remain committed to doing our best for the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad,' he added.
With the security situation still fluid, the Embassy is expected to issue further advisories as conditions evolve on the ground.
Point of View
Measured on attribution — reflects the strategic bind New Delhi faces whenever a Gulf partner is under attack. With over three million Indians in Saudi Arabia and bilateral remittances running into billions annually, India cannot afford ambiguity on Riyadh's security. Yet the MEA's statement stops well short of naming any aggressor, consistent with India's tradition of non-attribution in active regional conflicts. The real test of this solidarity will come if evacuation becomes necessary — a scenario the Embassy's current advisory language seems designed to forestall, not prepare for.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is India's official position on the attacks in Saudi Arabia?
India has strongly condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, calling them 'totally unacceptable'. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India stands in solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia and hopes peace and normalcy return to the region soon.
How many Indian nationals have been affected by the Saudi Arabia attacks?
One Indian national died and eight others remain hospitalised — four of them in the ICU — following the 10 October attack that initially injured 12 Indians. Three of the injured have since been discharged.
Are flights between India and Saudi Arabia disrupted?
Yes, flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Medina, and Jeddah have been disrupted following attacks on Saudi airports. Indian carriers have been affected, though Saudi Arabian Airlines has maintained several operations on the India-Saudi route.
What has the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia advised Indian nationals?
The Indian Embassy has advised the Indian community to remain calm, stay indoors during aerial attacks, and follow local authorities' instructions. It has also strongly advised nationals against circulating or reposting videos or news related to the ongoing events.
What assistance has the Indian Embassy provided to affected nationals?
The Embassy assisted the family of the deceased Indian national with last rites in Riyadh, with the Indian Ambassador personally present. Embassy officials are regularly visiting the eight hospitalised Indians and maintaining contact with their families in India.
