New Delhi: India has expressed deep concern over a reported drone attack near the holy city of Makkah (Mecca) in Saudi Arabia, stressing the city’s special significance to Muslims around the world and calling for the early restoration of peace and stability in West Asia. The statement came after Saudi authorities said their air defence forces intercepted and destroyed a drone south of Makkah before it could enter the restricted airspace around the holy city.
Responding to media queries on Wednesday, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was “deeply concerned” about the reported incident. India reiterated its condemnation of attacks on the sovereign territory of Saudi Arabia and of actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure. The MEA specifically highlighted the significance of Makkah for Muslims globally. “We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said.
According to Saudi authorities, the drone was intercepted and destroyed south of Makkah before it entered the restricted airspace over the holy city. Turki al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, said the security of Makkah, the two holy mosques and pilgrims constituted a “red line.” Saudi officials have described the incident as part of the escalating attacks involving Yemen-based Houthi forces. Saudi security authorities had also issued alerts in several areas along the western coast, including Makkah, Jeddah and Taif, amid a broader escalation in attacks. The alerts were subsequently lifted after authorities said the immediate threat had passed.
The allegation has been rejected by the Houthis. The group has denied targeting Makkah or other Islamic holy sites and disputed the Saudi account of the incident. This means that while Saudi authorities have attributed the reported drone to the Houthis, the allegation has not been accepted by the Houthi movement itself.
The reported incident comes amid renewed hostilities between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with drone and missile attacks and retaliatory strikes contributing to growing tensions across West Asia. The escalation has also raised concerns about regional security and maritime navigation around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a strategically important waterway connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden. Recent attacks and disruptions in the region have added to concerns over energy supplies and international shipping.
India has consistently called for the protection of civilians and critical infrastructure amid the wider West Asian conflict. The latest statement reflects New Delhi’s concern over the reported incident because of both its potential security implications and the unique religious importance of Makkah.
For India, which has longstanding ties with both Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region, developments affecting the security and stability of the region also carry broader strategic and economic significance.The situation remains fluid, with Saudi authorities maintaining that the drone was intercepted before entering Makkah’s restricted airspace, while the Houthis deny targeting the holy city.