India on Sunday, October 11, strongly condemned a missile attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh that killed 12 people and injured more than 300 others. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described repeated attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure as “completely unacceptable” and called for an immediate halt to such strikes.
The attack took place on Saturday, October 10, when a missile struck the airport complex housing Terminals 3 and 4, which serve domestic flights. Saudi civil aviation authorities reported 12 fatalities and 309 injuries, with some of the injured in critical condition. The strike also caused damage to airport property, the full extent of which was still being assessed.
India Expresses Solidarity With Saudi Arabia
In its official statement, the MEA condemned the repeated attacks on Riyadh’s airport over the preceding days, including the October 10 strike, which resulted in casualties and property damage.
New Delhi expressed condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a speedy recovery. India also reaffirmed its solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in defending the kingdom’s sovereignty.
The ministry called for an immediate cessation of attacks and expressed hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest.
Victims Include Several Foreign Nationals
According to Saudi authorities, the 12 people killed included four Saudi citizens, two Bangladeshi nationals and one citizen each from the United States, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Palestine and Sudan.
The incident highlighted the international impact of the attack, as the airport serves travellers from across the region and beyond. More than 300 people were injured, and emergency services transported victims to hospitals for treatment.
Houthis Blamed for the Attack
A Saudi-led military coalition blamed Iran-backed Houthi rebels based in neighbouring Yemen for the strike. However, reports published on Sunday said the group had not claimed responsibility for the deadly October 10 attack. The incident was reported as the third attack targeting Riyadh’s airport within a week.
The earlier strikes had already raised concerns about the safety of civilian aviation facilities in Saudi Arabia. Following the latest attack, airport operations were suspended, and flights were diverted as authorities assessed the damage and carried out safety checks.
Growing Concerns Over Regional Security
The attack comes amid escalating hostilities involving Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen, adding to concerns about the wider regional conflict and the safety of civilians.
India’s response underscores its opposition to attacks on civilian infrastructure and its call for restraint. With casualties mounting and aviation operations disrupted, the immediate priority remains protecting civilians, supporting the injured and preventing further escalation.
New Delhi reiterated its hope that peace and stability would return to the region as soon as possible.
