India condemns drone attack near Mecca, urges early restoration of peace in region

India has condemned the reported drone attack near Mecca after Saudi Arabia accused Yemen-based Houthi rebels of sending a drone towards the holy city

New Delhi said that the incident was particularly concerning because of Mecca’s significance to Muslims across the world.

India also reiterated its opposition to attacks on Saudi territory and any action that put civilians and infrastructure at risk.

“We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media queries.

The statement came as tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis continue to rise amid the wider conflict in West Asia.

Jaiswal said India “reiterates its condemnation” of attacks on the sovereign territory of Saudi Arabia and actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure.

The Indian government also expressed hope that peace and stability would be restored in the region at the earliest.

The statement did not directly attribute the drone attack to the Houthis. Saudi Arabia, however, has accused the group of launching the drone towards Mecca (also spelt as Makkah).

According to Saudi authorities, the drone was intercepted by the Saudi air force at around 6:50 PM on Tuesday, before it entered the prohibited airspace around the city.

The Saudi accusation has been rejected by the Houthis, who described it as a “worn-out lie” and denied targeting Mecca.

The Houthis have intensified attacks against Saudi Arabia in recent weeks and have also targeted shipping around the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key gateway to the Red Sea.

Saudi authorities have warned that any attack directed at Mecca would cross a particularly sensitive line.

Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, described the reported drone launch as a deliberate attempt to provoke Muslims and said an attack on Mecca remained a “red line”.

He also said Saudi Arabia would take “necessary and deterrent measures” against the Houthis.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has also condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous” attack.

The 57-member grouping expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and backed measures taken by the kingdom to protect its security and sovereignty, as well as the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.

Mecca is home to the Grand Mosque and the Kaaba and draws millions of Muslims from around the world, particularly during the annual Haj and throughout the year for Umrah.