Archive · 18 Sep 2026
India Condemns Attempted Mecca Attack, Warns Regional Stability Threatened
India is worried about growing violence near the Red Sea and Saudi Arabia.
It also condemned an attempted drone attack near Mecca.
Mecca is an important holy city for Muslims around the world.
India said attacks on people, buildings and Saudi territory are unacceptable.
It warned that the violence could make the region less safe.
The fighting could also affect ships traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
Saudi air defenses said they stopped a drone before it entered restricted airspace near Mecca.
India called for peace and stability to return soon.
India expressed concern over worsening security in the Red Sea region and an attempted attack near Mecca.
The Ministry of External Affairs called attacks on Saudi territory, civilians and economic assets unacceptable.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the violence threatens regional peace and freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
India said the attack near Mecca was particularly concerning because of the city’s significance to Muslims worldwide.
Saudi air defenses reportedly intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone launched by the Houthis before it entered Mecca’s prohibited airspace.
- Who
- India’s Ministry of External Affairs, represented by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, commented on attacks involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis.
- What
- India condemned the deteriorating Red Sea security situation and an attempted drone attack near Mecca, warning of threats to regional stability and navigation.
- When
- India issued the comments on Friday, September 18; the article refers to drone-related incidents on Tuesday and Wednesday.
- Where
- The incidents involved Saudi Arabia, including the area near Mecca, the Red Sea region and the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- Why
- India said the attacks threaten regional peace, civilian lives, infrastructure and freedom of navigation, and are especially concerning because of Mecca’s religious significance.
- Country issuing statement
- India
- Official body
- Ministry of External Affairs
- Spokesperson
- Randhir Jaiswal
- Location of attempted attack
- Near Mecca, Saudi Arabia
- Interception
- Saudi air defenses reportedly destroyed a hostile drone before it entered Mecca’s prohibited airspace.
- Navigation concern
- India said the violence threatens freedom of navigation through the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
- India’s position
- India condemned the attacks and called for an early restoration of peace and stability.