India urges nationals in Saudi Arabia to follow safety directives amid security concerns

India has urged its citizens in Saudi Arabia to adhere to updated safety directives issued by Saudi authorities, due to heightened security concerns. The recommendations, posted on social media, instruct individuals to remain calm, follow official instructions, and swiftly move to the nearest safe location inside a building, preferably an interior room far from windows, until the danger subsides.

AP reported that a photograph captured via video depicts intense smoke and flames emanating from a fire at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on October 9, 2026. This incident occurred amidst growing apprehensions over attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen.

The Indian Embassy in Riyadh emphasized these safety guidelines on Sunday, October 18, 2026, following a recent drone and missile assault by Houthi rebels on Saudi soil. This attack, which took place on October 10, resulted in the death of an Indian national and injuries to several others. Consequently, the embassy reiterated its previous safety advisory, urging Indian nationals to stay indoors during aerial threats and refrain from capturing or disseminating any content related to the ongoing events.

Moreover, the Saudi coalition disclosed on October 17 that they had intercepted and destroyed four drones in Riyadh, the Eastern Province, and the southern regions during the preceding hours. In response to these threats, people have been advised not to venture outdoors until the threat has dissipated, to avoid open spaces, windows, and glass, and to refrain from standing on balconies or rooftops. Additionally, those outdoors have been instructed to seek refuge inside buildings or behind sturdy barriers.