Riyadh airport attack: Second Indian national dies, toll rises to 2
Synopsis
A second Indian has died from injuries sustained in the 10 October Houthi strike on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport, the Indian Embassy confirmed on 4 November. With the Indian death toll now at two and 11 nationals originally injured, the tragedy underscores the acute vulnerability of the large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia to the escalating Yemen conflict.
Key Takeaways
A second Indian national has died in an ICU in Saudi Arabia from injuries sustained in the 10 October Riyadh airport attack, confirmed on 4 November .
The Indian death toll from the attack has risen to two ; the first fatality was Mohammed Yusuf Ali of Hyderabad .
A total of 11 Indian nationals were among the 309 people injured in the attack; 12 people were killed overall.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has pledged to assist with repatriation of mortal remains or funeral arrangements in Riyadh as per the family's wishes.
India has condemned the attack, calling strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure 'unacceptable' and urging an immediate ceasefire.
A second Indian national critically injured in the 10 October attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport has died while receiving treatment in an intensive care unit (ICU) in Saudi Arabia, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed on Wednesday, 4 November. The death brings the total number of Indians killed in the attack to two.
Embassy Statement and Support to Family
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh announced the death in a post on X, expressing grief and assuring the bereaved family of full consular support. 'With a heavy heart, we share that another Indian national, critically injured in the 10 October attack on Riyadh airport, has passed away in ICU. We have been by his family's side throughout, and we remain with them now. We convey heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. We will extend all possible assistance to bring his mortal remains home to India or funeral in Riyadh as per the wishes of the family,' the Embassy stated.
The mission said it would facilitate either the repatriation of the mortal remains to India or the arrangement of a funeral in Riyadh, depending on the family's wishes.
Earlier Casualty: Mohammed Yusuf Ali from Hyderabad
The first Indian fatality confirmed last month was Mohammed Yusuf Ali, who hailed from Hyderabad. His two sons and an aunt were also injured in the same attack. At the time, the Embassy posted on X: 'It is learnt that one Indian national injured in the Riyadh attack has unfortunately lost his life today. We convey our heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased. We are in touch with the family and will provide all support for ensuring the early repatriation of mortal remains.'
Scale of the Attack and Indian Casualties
The 10 October attack on King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital killed 12 people and injured 309 others, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. Among those injured were 11 Indian nationals. Following the attack, the Embassy had reached out to both local authorities and hospital officials to monitor the condition of the injured Indians, pledging regular updates.
The attack is part of an ongoing cycle of strikes between Yemen's Houthi group and Saudi Arabia targeting major airports and infrastructure.
India's Official Position
India had earlier condemned the attack, stating that strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure were 'unacceptable' and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. This marks one of the more direct statements New Delhi has issued in the context of the Yemen-Saudi Arabia conflict, reflecting the significant number of Indian nationals living and working in the Kingdom.
With the death toll among Indians now at two and several others reportedly still recovering, the Embassy is expected to remain in active contact with Saudi authorities and the families of those affected.
Point of View
Lethal consequences for India's large diaspora in the Gulf. With an estimated 2.4 million Indians in Saudi Arabia, the Indian government's condemnations, however sincere, have not been matched by visible diplomatic pressure on either Riyadh or the Houthis to protect civilian spaces. The Embassy's consular response has been commendably swift, but the broader question — why Indian diplomatic capital has not been deployed more forcefully in a conflict killing its own citizens — remains unanswered. Each new casualty makes that silence harder to justify.
NationPress
4 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Indians have died in the Riyadh airport attack?
Two Indian nationals have died as a result of the 10 October attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport. The first death was confirmed last month; the second was announced by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on 4 November 2026.
Who was the first Indian to die in the Riyadh airport attack?
The first Indian fatality was Mohammed Yusuf Ali, who hailed from Hyderabad. His two sons and an aunt were also injured in the same attack.
What is the Indian Embassy doing to help the families?
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has pledged to facilitate either the repatriation of mortal remains to India or the arrangement of a funeral in Riyadh, depending on the family's preference. The Embassy has stated it has remained in contact with the family throughout the hospitalisation.
What was the scale of the 10 October Riyadh airport attack?
The attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh killed 12 people and injured 309 others, according to the Saudi General Authority of Civil Aviation. Yemen's Houthi group was behind the strike, part of an ongoing exchange of attacks targeting major airports.
What is India's official stance on the Riyadh airport attack?
India has officially condemned the attack, stating that strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure are 'unacceptable,' and has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthi group.
