RIYADH AIRPORT STRIKE CLAIMS INDIAN LIFE AS NEW DELHI ISSUES SHARP REBUKE OVER REPEATED ATTACKS
October 12, 2026
An Indian national injured in the October 10 attack on Saudi Arabia’s King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has died, while at least 10 other Indians remain among the more than 300 people injured in the assault. India on Sunday strongly condemned the repeated attacks on the airport, describing strikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure as completely unacceptable and demanding an immediate halt to the violence.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirmed the death in a statement on Sunday, expressing condolences to the victim’s family and promising assistance with the repatriation of the mortal remains. The embassy said it was coordinating with Saudi authorities and hospital officials to monitor the condition of the injured Indian nationals and establish their well-being.
The attack on Saturday was the latest in a series of assaults targeting Riyadh’s international airport over the preceding week. Saudi authorities reported extensive casualties, with the injured receiving treatment at hospitals. The fatalities included Saudi citizens and nationals of several other countries, reflecting the international exposure of civilians at one of the kingdom’s principal aviation hubs.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs condemned the repeated attacks, including the latest assault, saying they had caused loss of life, injuries and property damage. The ministry conveyed condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured. It also expressed solidarity with the government and people of Saudi Arabia in defending the kingdom’s sovereignty and voiced hope that peace and normalcy would return to the region at the earliest.
Saudi Arabia has blamed Houthi militants for the airport attack. The repeated strikes have raised serious concerns over civilian safety and the security of commercial aviation in the Gulf, as the regional conflict continues to escalate.
The Indian Embassy had issued an advisory earlier in the week urging Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia to remain alert and vigilant, stay indoors when necessary and follow instructions issued by local authorities. The advisory reflected the deteriorating security situation and the risk posed by further attacks.
The latest incident has added urgency to India’s concerns over the safety of its nationals working and residing in Saudi Arabia. With one Indian now confirmed dead and others injured, the embassy is maintaining contact with local authorities and hospitals to ensure that affected citizens receive appropriate assistance.
India’s condemnation underscores the growing international concern over attacks on civilian infrastructure in the region. As Saudi Arabia confronts repeated assaults on its airport facilities, New Delhi has called for an immediate end to such violence, stressing that protecting civilian lives and restoring regional stability must remain urgent priorities.
