• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. India condemns drone attack near Mecca, citing spiritual significance.
  2. Incident endangers civilians and infrastructure; urges regional peace.
  3. Saudi-led coalition intercepted Houthi drone near Islam's holiest city.

India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the recent drone attack near the holy city of Mecca, strongly condemning any actions that target the sovereign territory of Saudi Arabia or endanger civilians and infrastructure. India’s statement came after Riyadh issued a stern red line warning to Houthi rebels after the Saudi-led coalition intercepted and destroyed an explosive-laden drone just outside the prohibited airspace of Mecca on Tuesday.

India Condemns Attack Near Mecca, Calls For Peace

In an official statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the heightened gravity of the incident due to Mecca’s profound spiritual significance to Muslims globally. The statement also urged for a swift restoration of peace and stability in the region.

“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. 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,” Jaiswal noted.

ALSO READ: Saudi Arabia Issues Red Line Warning After Drone Destroyed Near Mecca, Houthis Reject Attack Claim

The drone interception near Mecca has triggered security concerns across Mecca and Jeddah, marking a sharp escalation in the conflict between Riyadh and Yemen's Houthis. Saudi-led coalition spokesperson Turki al-Malki on Wednesday said this high-stakes provocation follows a week of cross-border strikes by the Iran-backed group, representing the first direct Houthi attempt to target Islam's holiest city since a ballistic missile launch in July 2017.

Houthis Claim Saudi F-15 Shot Down

While Iran-backed Houthi forces denied reports of carrying out an attack near Mecca, it claimed that a Saudi F-15 fighter jet was shot down near the region using a locally made air-to-air missile. The claim has not been independently verified.

Why Is It Concerning For India?

The escalating situation is concerning for India as millions of Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia. They formed one of the largest expatriate communities in the country. Additionally, Indian Muslims visit Mecca in large numbers every year for the Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages. On the trade front, while India does not rely solely on Saudi Arabia for its oil needs, Riyadh remains one of its most important traditional energy suppliers.

Earlier on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia had issued emergency alerts warning people in several cities, including Jeddah, Mecca and Taif, about a "potential danger." Sirens and phone alerts were also reported in other parts of the country, including Yanbu, AlUla, Abha and Jazan. However, the warning in Mecca was notable as it was reportedly the first emergency alert of this type issued there since the latest regional conflict began.

ALSO READ: Pakistan's Mecca Pact Irony: Houthi Drone Penetrates City Where Agreement Was Signed; Pak Sticks To 'Condemnation Mode'


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