One Indian national has died and 10 others have been injured following a deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, prompting the Indian government to coordinate with local authorities and hospitals to assist affected citizens. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has expressed condolences to the deceased person's family and said the Indian Embassy is taking all necessary steps to help those affected.
The attack took place on October 10 and left 12 people dead and more than 300 injured, according to initial reports. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh had initially reported that 11 Indian nationals were among the injured. However, one of them subsequently died, bringing the updated Indian casualty figures to one death and 10 injured.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals living and working in Saudi Arabia amid escalating security tensions in the region.
Indian Embassy Coordinates With Hospitals and Authorities
Following the attack, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh established contact with Saudi authorities and hospital officials to determine the condition of the injured Indian nationals and monitor their treatment.
Embassy officials are also communicating with the affected individuals and their families to understand their immediate needs. The mission has indicated that further information will be shared as it becomes available.
Jaishankar said the Indian Embassy was providing the necessary assistance in response to the incident. He also conveyed his sympathies to the family of the Indian national who lost their life.
The government's immediate priority is to ensure that injured citizens receive appropriate medical attention and that their families receive the necessary support. The embassy is expected to continue working with local authorities as information about the casualties and their condition is confirmed.
Attack Kills 12, Injures More Than 300
The strike on King Khalid International Airport, one of Saudi Arabia's major aviation facilities, caused significant casualties and heightened concerns about the security of civilian infrastructure.
The 12 fatalities reported initially included Saudi nationals and citizens of several other countries. More than 300 people were injured, making the incident one of the most serious recent attacks affecting civilian facilities in the kingdom.
Saudi Arabia has blamed Yemen's Houthi movement for the attack. The incident comes amid an intensifying confrontation involving the group and Saudi Arabia, with airports and other strategic infrastructure becoming targets in the wider regional conflict.
The attack has also disrupted normal airport operations and raised concerns for travellers, airline operators and foreign nationals residing in the country.
India Condemns Attacks on Civilian Infrastructure
India has expressed strong opposition to repeated attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and stressed the importance of protecting human life. The government's response has focused on assisting affected Indian nationals while maintaining contact with Saudi authorities.
The incident has particular significance for India because a large Indian community lives and works in Saudi Arabia. Indian nationals are employed across several sectors, making the safety of expatriates an important diplomatic concern whenever regional hostilities intensify.
The Indian Embassy had already advised citizens in Saudi Arabia to remain alert, follow instructions issued by local authorities and take precautions when necessary. Indians were also urged to rely on official communications for verified information about the evolving situation.
Authorities have emphasised the importance of avoiding the circulation of unverified material related to ongoing security incidents.
Safety Advisory for Indians in Saudi Arabia
Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia have been advised to monitor official announcements and comply with local safety instructions. Those affected by the attack can seek assistance through the appropriate Indian diplomatic channels.
The embassy and the Consulate in Jeddah continue to provide consular services while monitoring developments. Further updates regarding the injured, their medical condition and assistance for affected families are expected as verified information becomes available.
The attack has placed renewed attention on the security risks facing civilians in the region. For India, the immediate challenge remains supporting its nationals, coordinating with Saudi authorities and ensuring that families affected by the tragedy receive timely information and assistance.
