Indian Embassy Issues Urgent Safety Advisory Amid Gulf Conflict
The Embassy of India in Riyadh has issued a critical security advisory for the Indian community following a surge in regional missile and drone activity across the Gulf. The mission has directed citizens to seek shelter in interior rooms away from windows during aerial attacks to ensure maximum safety.
In addition to physical safety measures, the embassy has issued a strict directive regarding information security. Citizens are instructed to refrain from filming, publishing, or sharing any information, photos, or videos related to ongoing security events.
Major Flight Suspensions and Travel Disruptions
The regional conflict has caused severe disruptions to aviation and transport. Riyadh International Airport remains closed, while airports in Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina are experiencing operational disruptions.
Major Indian carriers have reacted to the instability by extending flight suspensions:
- Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo: All routes suspended until October 24.
- Akasa Air: Services suspended until October 27.
For those seeking to travel, the embassy suggests exploring alternatives via Saudia flights departing from Dammam, Jeddah, or Medina, alongside limited options through Flynas and Flyadeal. For urgent departures, transiting through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar is recommended, provided the necessary visas are obtained.
Casualties and Maritime Incidents
The escalating tensions have resulted in significant casualties among the Indian diaspora. The Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed six Indian deaths and one missing person across various recent incidents.
Tragic Loss in Riyadh
On October 10, a projectile strike attributed to Houthi forces hit King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. The attack claimed 13 lives and injured over 300 people, including 11 Indian nationals.
Among the deceased was Mohammed Yousuf Ali, a 46-year-old IT professional from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, who had lived in Saudi Arabia for a decade. Mr. Ali was traveling with his family for Umrah when the strike occurred. His sons, Aman (18) and Wasi (16), sustained severe injuries requiring surgery, while his wife, Sameera, and daughter, Maryam (11), suffered minor injuries.
Missing Sailors in Oman
Maritime security has also been compromised. On October 11, a drone strike hit the Nicaragua-flagged tanker MT Petro Dolphin at the Sohar Anchorage in Oman. While nine of the 12 crew members (11 Indians and one Bangladeshi) were rescued, two Indian sailors remain missing:
- Amit Singh: Approximately 20-25 years old, from Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.
- Bir Bahadur Yadav: Approximately 25-26 years old, from Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.
The families of the missing sailors have raised concerns, alleging that the captain ordered an evacuation without conducting a proper headcount. Search-and-rescue efforts are being led by the Indian Embassy in Muscat and Omani authorities.
Other Reported Incidents
Additional fatalities and injuries have been reported across the region:
- Jizan, Saudi Arabia: On October 13, 27-year-old Kashireddy Rakesh from Telangana died following a pipe collapse at a workplace.
- Dubai, UAE: Reports indicated minor injuries to Indians in southern Dubai caused by interception debris.
The Indian embassy and the Jeddah consulate have established 24-hour control rooms to provide continuous assistance to citizens in need.
Diplomatic Response at the UN
The scale of the crisis has drawn international attention. India’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, stated during a UN Security Council session that the safety of the nearly 10 million Indians residing in GCC countries is a core national interest. He further condemned all attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping.
Since February, more than 300,000 Indians have returned from the region due to the ongoing instability.