India condemns drone attack near Mecca, strikes on civilians and infrastructure

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident was deeply concerning due to the site's religious significance, while India hoped for an early restoration of regional peace and stability.

India on Wednesday voiced concern over a reported drone attack near Mecca in Saudi Arabia and condemned attacks that threaten the kingdom’s sovereignty, civilians and infrastructure. The Ministry of External Affairs also underlined the special religious significance of Mecca for Muslims around the world.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah. India reiterates its condemnation of attacks on the sovereign territory of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and of actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure".

Jaiswal said the location of the incident raised concerns given Mecca’s importance as Islam’s holiest city and a major destination for pilgrims. India also expressed hope that peace and stability would be restored in the region at the earliest.

"The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world. We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region," he added.

The statement followed a report by Saudi authorities that a drone had been intercepted and destroyed south of Mecca before reaching the restricted airspace around the holy city.

The incident comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.

The Houthis have denied targeting Mecca and other religious sites, while claiming responsibility for attacks on other Saudi targets. Saudi Arabia has, meanwhile, remained on heightened alert amid a series of security threats in the region.

Last week, Saudi Arabia accused Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels of attempting to target Mecca, Islam’s holiest city, triggering condemnation from several countries across the region. The Houthis rejected the allegation, saying they had not launched drones toward Mecca.

Saudi authorities, however, said their forces detected and destroyed a drone before it could enter the city’s airspace.

The episode came as Saudi Arabia continued to face attacks affecting infrastructure and maritime traffic. Despite a defence agreement involving Turkiye and Pakistan, there has been no indication that either country has provided direct military assistance to Riyadh in response to the latest escalation.

The US also maintained a cautious position, signalling that it does not want to become directly involved in the widening conflict.

Saudi officials described Mecca as a "red line" amid growing pressure from the Houthis, who receive support from Tehran, Riyadh’s regional rival.

The escalation has also added to concerns over energy and shipping security. A key Saudi oil pipeline has reportedly remained closed for weeks following attacks on infrastructure, while Houthi operations have affected shipping in the Red Sea.

The developments underline deepening regional tensions, with Saudi Arabia facing security threats while its partners have yet to provide direct military backing.

Meanwhile, India’s response reiterated its opposition to attacks on sovereign territory and actions that endanger civilians. New Delhi’s appeal for an early return to peace comes as wider tensions continue to pose security challenges across the Middle East.