India Condemns Attacks on Saudi Civilian Infrastructure as ‘Totally Unacceptable’

By Anjali Sharma
WASHINGTON – India on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia, called them “totally unacceptable”, and expressed hope for an early return to peace and normalcy in the region.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India condemned a series of attacks in Saudi Arabia, including the attack on Aramco headquarters on Tuesday.

“We condemn all such attacks on civilian infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and feel that such attacks need to cease immediately. They are totally unacceptable. We stand in solidarity with the people and government of Saudi Arabia in defence of their sovereignty and hope for a return to peace and normalcy in the region soon,” Jaiswal said.

On the safety of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, Jaiswal said the Indian Embassy was in regular contact with community members to ensure their welfare and had also issued advisories.

“We have a large diaspora there. Our Embassy in Saudi Arabia has been in regular touch with our community members for their welfare. At the same time, they have issued advisories,” he added.

Jaiswal said disruptions to flight schedules following attacks on Riyadh International Airport and other airports in Saudi Arabia had affected Indian carriers and some travelers between India and Saudi Arabia.

He noted that several flights operated by Saudi Arabian Airlines continued to run between the two countries.

“The airline connections that have been disrupted are those originating from or going to Riyadh, Dammam, Medina and one or two other airports, including Jeddah,” he said.

He added that the Indian Embassy remained in touch with Indian nationals and would continue to provide updated information as the situation evolved.

Jaiswal also spoke about the October 10 attack in Saudi Arabia, in which one Indian national was killed and 11 others were injured.

He said the Indian Embassy had assisted the deceased person’s family in performing the last rites in Riyadh, as per their wishes. The Indian Ambassador was also present, he added.

Jaiswal said the October 11 injured Indian nationals, 3 had been discharged, while eight remained hospitalized, including four in intensive care units.

Embassy officials were regularly visiting the injured and maintaining contact with their family members.

“We remain committed to doing our best for the welfare and well-being of our nationals abroad,” he said.

Jaiswal also said National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had raised concerns over the safety and security of Indian seafarers and tankers during a telephone conversation with Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on October 12.

They discussed bilateral issues, the regional situation and international developments, Jaiswal said,

He added that the safety and security of Indian seafarers and tankers had also been raised during the conversation.