Indian IT Engineer Killed in Riyadh Airport Missile Strike
A tragic Riyadh airport missile strike has claimed the life of an Indian IT professional, sending shockwaves through the expatriate community in the Gulf. The incident, involving a Houthi projectile on October 10, struck King Khalid International Airport, resulting in 13 deaths and over 300 injuries.
Tragedy for Hyderabad Family
Among the victims was 46-year-old Mohammed Yousuf Ali, an IT engineer hailing from Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad. Ali was at the airport with his family, preparing for a scheduled Umrah pilgrimage to Medina. The strike caused falling debris that killed Ali instantly.
The impact on his family has been devastating:
- His two sons: Sustained significant injuries requiring urgent surgical intervention.
- His wife and daughter: Suffered minor wounds during the chaos.
Ali's funeral was held in Riyadh, attended by the Indian Ambassador, Vipul, as the community mourned the loss of a fellow expatriate.
India Raises Security Concerns at UN
The incident has prompted a high-level diplomatic response from New Delhi. On October 16, India's Permanent Representative to the UN, Parvathaneni Harish, addressed the Security Council to highlight the growing vulnerability of the 10 million Indians living across the GCC, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.
Harish explicitly cited the death of Mohammed Yousuf Ali as a catalyst for concern, condemning all attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping as morally and legally indefensible. India has officially expressed its solidarity with Saudi Arabia amidst these regional escalations.
Escalating Maritime Threats
Beyond airport security, the regional conflict is severely impacting maritime transit. Several vessels have been targeted by drones and projectiles, including the India-flagged MV DP World Kaveri and MT Valthera.
The human cost at sea is rising:
- Two Indian seafarers remain missing following an attack on the MT Petro Dolphin near Sohar, Oman.
- 11 Indian crew members were injured while aboard the MT On Peace.
Since the conflict intensified in February, dozens of Indian seafarers have been killed or wounded. In response, India has proposed the creation of a Seafarers Emergency Support Network and a Group of Friends on Shipping Safety to protect its maritime workforce.
Travel Disruptions and Safety Advisories
The security situation has also disrupted travel for many expatriates. Several Indian carriers have suspended flights to Saudi Arabia through October 17, complicating travel plans for thousands.
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued urgent advisories to all citizens in the region, urging them to:
- Avoid filming missile intercepts or military activity.
- Follow all instructions provided by local authorities.
- Remain indoors immediately during any reported attacks.
As of mid-October, several Indian citizens involved in the airport strike remain in intensive or high-dependency care units, receiving medical support from Saudi healthcare teams.