India condemns Houthi strikes on Riyadh airports as unacceptable

NEW DELHI — India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday condemned the Houthi‑claimed missile strikes on Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport and the nearby Prince Sultan Air Base, calling the attacks on civilian infrastructure unacceptable and a violation of international law. The statement, issued on 8 October 2026, came after Saudi authorities reported three fatalities and several injuries in the twin explosions that rocked the capital early Sunday.

The Ministry said the attacks jeopardised the safety of civilians and disrupted air travel across the Gulf region, a key conduit for trade and energy supplies. It urged all parties to respect the sanctity of civilian facilities and to refrain from actions that could further destabilise an already volatile Middle‑East security environment.

Background on the attacks

According to Saudi officials, the explosions occurred at approximately 02:30 local time, triggering emergency evacuations and temporary suspension of flights at King Khalid International Airport. The Saudi Ministry of Interior confirmed that three people were killed, including two airport staff members, and that dozens more were treated for injuries ranging from shrapnel wounds to smoke inhalation.

The Houthi movement, based in Yemen, claimed responsibility for the strikes, stating that they were aimed at Saudi military targets in response to the kingdom’s ongoing coalition operations in Yemen. The group released a video on its official channels showing what it described as missile launches toward Riyadh. Independent analysts, however, noted that the damage pattern suggested impact on civilian terminals rather than purely military installations.

India’s diplomatic response

In its statement, the Ministry of External Affairs reiterated India’s long‑standing commitment to the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and the protection of civilians in armed conflict. It called for an immediate de‑escalation of hostilities and urged the United Nations and regional organisations to intensify diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen.

“India condemns any attack that targets civilian infrastructure and endangers innocent lives,” the Ministry said. “Such actions are contrary to international humanitarian law and threaten the safety of the broader international community.”

Regional implications

The attacks come amid heightened tensions in the Red Sea corridor, where Houthi missile and drone activity has increased since early 2026. Saudi Arabia has repeatedly warned that any escalation could affect global oil markets, given the kingdom’s role as a leading exporter. While the immediate impact on oil prices was muted, analysts noted that sustained attacks on transport hubs could prompt airlines to reroute flights, potentially increasing operational costs for carriers operating in the region.

India, which maintains a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and a growing defence cooperation framework, has been monitoring the security situation closely. The Indian embassy in Riyadh issued an advisory to Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to stay informed about local developments and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

International reactions

Other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, issued statements condemning the attacks and calling for restraint. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlighted the risk to civilian populations and called for unhindered humanitarian access to affected areas in Yemen.

In a separate development, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to convene later this week to discuss the escalation of hostilities in the Red Sea and the broader implications for maritime security.

India’s broader Middle‑East policy

India’s condemnation aligns with its broader diplomatic posture that seeks to balance energy security interests with a principled stance on the protection of civilians. New Delhi has increased its engagement with Gulf states through high‑level visits and expanded trade, while also advocating for a political solution to the Yemeni conflict.

Foreign Ministry officials indicated that India will continue to work with Saudi Arabia and other regional partners to enhance aviation security and to support initiatives aimed at stabilising the Red Sea shipping lanes.