Consul General of India in Jeddah, Fahad Suri, on Monday, 14 September 2026, visited Indian nationals receiving treatment at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital in Jeddah — among dozens injured after Houthi ballistic missile and drone attacks struck several Saudi cities last week. The consular visit reflects New Delhi's active outreach to its citizens caught in the escalating conflict on the Arabian Peninsula.

Consulate's Assurance to Injured Nationals

Suri met with the hospitalised Indian nationals, enquired about their health and well-being, and assured them of the Consulate's full support. 'Consul General Shri Fahad Suri visited Indian nationals undergoing treatment at Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, who were injured in the recent incidents in Jazan. CG enquired about their health and well-being, interacted with the patients, and assured them of the Consulate's full support and assistance,' the Consulate General of India in Jeddah stated on X.

The consulate, whose jurisdiction covers not just Jeddah but also Mecca, Madinah, Yanbu, Taif, Tabuk, Qunfudah, AlBaha, Abha, Jizan, and Najran, added that it 'remains in close touch with the hospital authorities and the affected nationals and their family members.'

The Houthi Attacks on Saudi Cities

According to reports, the Houthi group last week launched a series of attacks targeting the Saudi cities of Khamis Mushait, Abha, and Jazan. Turki Al-Maliki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition backing the internationally recognised government in Yemen, stated on X that the Houthis were 'continuing attacks on the Kingdom's national assets and infrastructure,' characterising the group's conduct as an 'extremist approach toward escalation and the targeting of civilians in Saudi Arabia,' according to reports citing the coalition.

This latest salvo comes amid what analysts describe as a sharp escalation between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia, with the group having intensified cross-border strikes in recent weeks.

India Condemns the Attacks

New Delhi moved swiftly to register its displeasure. On 9 September 2026, India formally condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, particularly the targeting of civilian and economic facilities, calling them 'unacceptable.' Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to a media query at a bi-weekly briefing, said: 'India condemned the attacks on Saudi sovereign territory, especially the targeting of civilian and economic facilities.' He further noted that such attacks 'undermined regional security and stability and threatened freedom of navigation in the Bab-el-Mandeb.'

Notably, the Bab-el-Mandeb strait is a critical chokepoint for global shipping, and India has repeatedly emphasised the importance of unimpeded maritime trade routes in the Red Sea region.

Diplomatic Momentum Between India and Saudi Arabia

The consular visit comes against a backdrop of intensifying India-Saudi diplomatic engagement. On Sunday, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar met Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, in New Delhi on the sidelines of the 18th BRICS Summit. 'Pleased to meet the FM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, on the sidelines of BRICS India 2026. Exchanged perspectives on regional and global developments, as well as on advancing our bilateral cooperation,' Jaishankar posted on X.

Separately, Indian Ambassador Vipul met Saudi Arabia's Assistant Minister of Defence, Khaled bin Hussain Al Biyari, in Riyadh last week to discuss defence cooperation and reaffirm the two countries' strategic partnership. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also completed an official visit to Saudi Arabia from 5 to 8 September 2026.

With thousands of Indian nationals working across Saudi cities — many in areas directly in the Houthis' declared target range — the diplomatic and consular machinery in Riyadh and Jeddah is likely to remain on high alert as the security situation continues to evolve.