India expresses concern over drone attack on Makkah, calls for West Asia peace and stability

India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over an attempted drone attack on Makkah in Saudi Arabia and called for an early restoration of peace and stability in West Asia. Saudi authorities said a drone sent by Houthi militants was intercepted and destroyed on Tuesday evening before entering the city's prohibited airspace.

"We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal. Responding to a media query, he said, "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."

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"The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world," Jaiswal said. "We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region," he added.

Drone intercepted south of Makkah

Saudi authorities said their air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Makkah on Tuesday. Several areas along the country's western coast, including Makkah, were placed on security alert following the incident.

The drone was destroyed before entering Makkah's prohibited airspace, according to Saudi authorities. The Houthis denied targeting Makkah or any Islamic holy site.

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The incident comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia and a series of Houthi attacks targeting Saudi infrastructure and economic assets.

India flags risks to regional stability

India had on Tuesday expressed concern over the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, saying they could undermine regional stability and threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait.

"We have condemned the attack on the Saudi sovereign territory, including on the civilian infrastructure and economic assets. I would say that such attacks undermine regional stability and threaten freedom of navigation through the Bab-el-Mandeb," Jaiswal said at his regular media briefing on Tuesday.

The Iran-backed Houthi group has also targeted Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline, an important route for crude exports. The pipeline has become more significant after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Bab-el-Mandeb connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea and is a key maritime route between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar discussed the West Asia situation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the sidelines of the BRICS summit on Sunday.

India last week also condemned attacks on Saudi oil installations. The Houthis have been primarily operating from Yemen.