On October 8, 2026, India officially condemned the recent attacks carried out by Houthi forces on two major airports in Saudi Arabia. The attacks on Abha International Airport and King Khalid International Airport occurred on October 6 and 7, leading to the tragic deaths of three individuals and injuring 36 others, according to Saudi officials. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that such targeting of civilian infrastructure is "completely unacceptable," reflecting India's firm stance on issues of international security.
In a statement, the MEA expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to those injured. The statement emphasized India's solidarity with the people and government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this difficult time. The backdrop of these attacks has raised concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in Yemen and its regional implications.
- Condemnation of violence — India denounced the attacks as unacceptable.
- Support for Saudi Arabia — India expressed solidarity with the Saudi government.
- Military response from Saudi coalition — The coalition targeted Houthi military installations in Yemen.
The Saudi-led coalition reported that it has successfully destroyed 82 military targets linked to the Houthis in Yemen following the attacks. This military action underscores the ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities of the Saudi-Houthi conflict, which has ramifications for international peace and security.
India's response aligns with its broader diplomatic strategy to maintain strong relations with Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, which is a key partner in various sectors including trade, energy, and security. As the situation develops, India's diplomatic efforts will likely focus on advocating for stability in the region.
