INDIA TELLS CITIZENS IN SAUDI ARABIA TO STAY ALERT AS HOUTHI ATTACKS INTENSIFY

October 8, 2026

India has issued a safety advisory for its nationals in Saudi Arabia amid a sharp escalation in Houthi attacks on the kingdom, urging citizens to remain vigilant and follow instructions issued by local authorities.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advised Indians to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movement as the security situation continues to evolve. Citizens were also asked not to share or repost videos or news related to the ongoing attacks.

The advisory follows a fresh escalation by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, who have claimed responsibility for missile attacks targeting Riyadh, including an attack on King Khalid International Airport. The developments have disrupted air traffic and heightened security concerns in the Saudi capital.

The embassy has asked Indian nationals to remain attentive to further instructions and to cooperate fully with Saudi authorities during the period of heightened tension.

Despite the security concerns, consular and visa-related services provided by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the Consulate General in Jeddah and the associated VFS services continue to operate normally.

The embassy has also kept its helpline available for Indians requiring assistance and said further updates would be issued through official channels as the situation develops.

The advisory comes as the wider conflict involving the Houthis and Saudi-backed forces threatens to deepen regional instability, with attacks on Saudi territory increasing and several countries reviewing their security and military support for Riyadh.