India on Thursday, 22 October 2026 strongly condemned the attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including strikes on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province, as the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that one Indian national was killed and three others were injured across both incidents. The government expressed solidarity with Riyadh and called for an immediate halt to attacks on civilian and critical infrastructure.

What the MEA Said

In a formal statement, the MEA said: 'We strongly condemn the continued attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam and Saudi Aramco's Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province on October 21. These attacks have unfortunately resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.'

The ministry added that it stands in solidarity with 'the people and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in safeguarding its sovereignty,' and expressed hope that 'peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest.' The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has been placed in active contact with Saudi authorities and is providing all possible assistance to affected families.

Indian Casualties Confirmed

According to the MEA, one Indian national was killed and two others were injured in the attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam. A separate Indian national was injured in the strike on the Shaybah oil field. The ministry offered condolences to the family of the deceased and wished speedy recovery to those wounded.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia had earlier posted on X confirming: 'Saudi authorities have informed that one Indian national was among two people who unfortunately lost their lives in the attack on Dammam airport yesterday night and two Indian nationals were injured. We are ascertaining further details and contacting the affected families.'

Saudi Aviation Authority's Account

Saudi Arabia's General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) confirmed in a statement posted on X that the total number of fatalities at King Fahd International Airport rose to two — comprising one Saudi citizen and one Indian resident — after an additional death was confirmed. The injured numbered eight, including one Saudi citizen and residents from India (2), Yemen (2), Bangladesh (2), and Nepal (1), with injuries described as ranging from minor to critical.

GACA added that it is coordinating with relevant authorities to assess damage and verify the safety of facilities. Notably, airport operations have since resumed and air traffic has returned to normal, according to the authority.

Context and Regional Implications

The attacks on 21 October 2026 targeted both a major international aviation hub and a strategically critical oil installation — Saudi Aramco's Shaybah field, one of the world's largest oil-producing facilities, located deep in the Rub' al Khali desert. Strikes on Aramco infrastructure have occurred previously, most notably in 2019 when drone and missile attacks on the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities temporarily disrupted nearly 5% of global oil supply. This latest incident signals a continued vulnerability in the region's energy corridor.

India's response carries particular weight given the significant Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia — estimated at over 2.4 million — and the country's heavy dependence on Gulf energy imports. New Delhi's call for the cessation of attacks on civilian infrastructure reflects both humanitarian concern and strategic interest in regional stability.

What Happens Next

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh is expected to continue liaising with Saudi authorities on the status of affected nationals. The MEA has not yet indicated whether a formal diplomatic communication has been dispatched to the party responsible for the strikes. Analysts say India's response will be closely watched as a signal of its broader posture on Gulf security at a time of heightened regional tensions.