A notice issued on Tuesday called on Indian nationals living in Saudi Arabia to remain composed and exercise caution as the security environment in the country continued to develop. The embassy also urged nationals to refrain from sharing footage connected to the unfolding situation.
Drone and missile strikes on civilian infrastructure have formed part of a broader pattern of armed exchanges between Saudi Arabia and Houthi forces in Yemen, with both sides reporting casualties and damage across the region.
One person holding Indian citizenship lost their life when King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh came under attack on 10 October, with a number of others sustaining injuries in the same incident. The Indian Embassy subsequently issued a notice urging nationals across Saudi Arabia to remain composed and alert, shelter indoors if aerial activity occurs, and follow guidance distributed by local authorities through official channels.
The mission further urged nationals to refrain from sharing or forwarding footage and news reports tied to the unfolding situation. The embassy also called on them to stay in contact with their respective airlines and check the current status of their bookings.
Flight services linking India to Saudi Arabia were suspended by the country's airlines. Indian nationals seeking to leave Saudi Arabia may also use flight connections departing from airports in Qatar or Bahrain, the embassy advised, adding that entry visas for whichever neighbouring country is used are to be secured in line with that country's own requirements.
According to a statement from the Indian mission, nationals who entered the kingdom on Visit, Tourist, Umrah, or Business visas and remained beyond their permitted stay because no outbound flights were available will not face penalties from Saudi authorities. Those whose visas had lapsed were told to depart once flights became available again.
A round-the-clock helpline has been established at the Embassy to support Indian nationals requiring assistance while in Saudi Arabia. Queries may be directed to the office by telephone on +966-11-4884698 or 002471234 — the latter available at no charge to callers within KSA — by WhatsApp message on +966-536216082, or by email at cw.riyadh@mea.gov.in.
A notice covering Indian nationals — with particular attention to those undertaking the Umrah pilgrimage on routes between Jeddah and Madinah — was issued by India's Consulate General in Jeddah along the same lines as earlier guidance. Individuals in need of assistance may reach the Control Room — staffed around the clock — by telephone at +966 12 2614093 or +966 556122301, via WhatsApp at +966 536209704, or by sending an email to pbskcgi@gmail.com.
