New Delhi: Terming them “totally unacceptable”, India on Wednesday condemned the string of attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, saying that the acts need to cease immediately. India also reaffirmed its resolve to ensure the safety and welfare of nationals abroad after a citizen died in a Houthi attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.
The comments were made by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal at his bi-weekly media briefing.
“There have been a string of attacks in Saudi Arabia, which we have condemned. Yesterday, the Aramco headquarters was attacked. We condemn all such attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Such attacks need to cease immediately. They are totally unacceptable," the spokesperson said.
“We stand in solidarity with the people and the government of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty. We hope peace and normalcy return to the region soon,” he said.
The attack on Riyadh's King Khalid International Airport last Saturday was the latest of several strikes targeting the facility in the past week.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in a social media post on Sunday that one Indian national injured in the Riyadh attack had lost his life. He added that the last rites of the national who succumbed to his injuries were performed in Riyadh.
He assured India's continuous support to the affected and other nationals living abroad, through the Indian Embassy.
"The attack on 10 October injured 12 people, one of whom unfortunately passed away. His last rites were performed in Riyadh, as wished by his family, with assistance from the embassy. Of the 11 remaining injured, three have been discharged, while eight remain hospitalised, including four in the ICU. Embassy officials are regularly visiting them and staying in touch with their families. We remain committed to doing our best for the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad," Jaiswal stated.
Jaiswal’s comments were in response to a query following fresh escalation in attacks on Saudi infrastructure, including airports and oil facilities, by Iran-backed Houthis.
Regarding the safety of the Indian diaspora living in Saudi Arabia, the MEA spokesperson amplified the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the updated flight schedules of Indian airlines to the region amid the airspace security crisis.
"Our embassy in Saudi Arabia is in regular touch with the Indian community and has issued advisories for their welfare. Flight schedules have been disrupted following attacks on airports, impacting Indian carriers, particularly flights to and from Riyadh, Dammam, Medina and Jeddah. The embassy is providing updated information to travellers and those stranded," Jaiswal said.
(With inputs from PTI & ANI)