Riyadh on Edge: Indian Embassy Urges 2.7 Million Nationals to Exercise Caution Following Houthi Strikes

NEW DELHI — The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Riyadh have issued a stringent security advisory for Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia, urging them to remain alert and stay indoors following a series of Houthi attacks targeting the kingdom.

The directive specifically references recent strikes on critical infrastructure, including the Riyadh airport, which have heightened regional security concerns.

This advisory directly impacts the massive Indian diaspora in the Gulf, with approximately 2.7 million Indian expatriates currently residing and working in Saudi Arabia.

The escalation follows renewed claims by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels of striking strategic sites in the Saudi capital, raising fears of a broader regional spillover that could endanger civilian populations.

In its official communication, the Indian Embassy explicitly urged citizens to follow all instructions issued by local Saudi authorities through official channels.

Furthermore, the mission strongly advised nationals against sharing or reposting unverified videos and information on social media, a measure aimed at preventing panic and curbing the spread of misinformation during a volatile situation.

Concurrently, the security disruption has severely impacted air travel, with major carriers including Air India, IndiGo, and Akasa Air temporarily suspending or canceling flights to and from Riyadh until at least October 10.

Security analysts note that this advisory underscores the inherent vulnerability of the South Asian diaspora in the Gulf to sudden geopolitical flashpoints.

While Saudi air defense systems have historically intercepted many aerial threats, the persistent targeting of civilian and economic hubs forces expatriate communities into a state of heightened vigilance.

The embassy’s specific warning against spreading unverified content also highlights the modern challenge of managing public sentiment and preventing digital hysteria during active security crises.

As the regional security architecture remains strained, the Indian government’s proactive communication aims to balance reassurance with necessary caution.

The situation remains fluid, and the MEA has assured that it is continuously monitoring developments in close coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community.