Indian Expat Killed in Riyadh Missile Strike
A tragic missile strike at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh has claimed the life of a 46-year-old Indian IT engineer, Mohammed Yusuf Ali. The incident, which occurred on October 10 during a Houthi-led attack on the airport, has left a family devastated and heightened concerns for the Indian diaspora across the region.
A Family Devastated by Debris
Mohammed Yusuf Ali, a resident of Mehdipatnam, Hyderabad, who had been living in Riyadh for ten years, was waiting with his family for a flight to Medina to perform Umrah when the strike occurred. The impact of the missile debris was catastrophic for his family.
His 16-year-old son, Wasi, required surgery and suffered the loss of his toes, while his 18-year-old son, Aman, also required medical intervention. His wife, Sameera, and their 11-year-old daughter, Maryam, sustained various injuries during the chaos. The family has opted to bury Ali in Riyadh.
The strike resulted in a total of 13 deaths and over 300 injuries, with 11 other Indian nationals among those wounded.
Government Response and Safety Advisories
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Embassy in Riyadh are working closely to coordinate medical care and repatriation support. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has pledged full assistance to the grieving family.
Ambassador Vipul has issued urgent advice to the 2.6 million Indians residing in Saudi Arabia, urging them to:
- Remain calm during periods of instability.
- Stay indoors during active attacks.
- Adhere strictly to local instructions from authorities.
- Avoid filming or sharing footage of missile strikes, as this is a violation of Saudi law.
Travel Disruptions and Visa Relief
The escalating conflict has significantly impacted travel between India and Saudi Arabia. Major Indian carriers, including Air India and IndiGo, have suspended flights to major Saudi cities until late October.
To assist those caught in the disruption, authorities are waiving visa overstay fines for affected passengers. Stranded travelers are being advised to utilize alternative routes through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar to facilitate their journeys.
Broader Regional Risks
The security situation remains volatile. According to Aseem R. Mahajan, MEA Additional Secretary (Gulf), six Indian nationals have died and one remains missing due to recent regional incidents. While Indian seafarers on vessels such as the MV DP World Kaveri and MT Petro Dolphin are currently safe, the risk remains a concern.
Even within the UAE, the impact of regional tensions has been felt, with minor injuries reported among Indians in southern Dubai due to interception debris. Additionally, Indian missions in the UAE have warned expatriates to remain vigilant against a rise in job and visa scams targeting vulnerable workers during these uncertain times.
At the United Nations, India’s Permanent Representative, Parvathaneni Harish, addressed the Security Council, emphasizing that the safety of the 10 million Indians living in the GCC is a core interest for the Indian government. He condemned the attacks on civilian infrastructure and commercial shipping, highlighting the need for international protection of expatriate communities.