New Delhi, September 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over a drone attack near Mecca and called for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
Responding to media queries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the incident was particularly concerning given Mecca’s religious significance for Muslims across the world.
“We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah (Mecca). 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,” Jaiswal said.
“The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world,” he added.
India also expressed hope for an early restoration of peace and stability in the region.
The statement followed Saudi Arabia’s announcement that its Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces had intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by the Houthis before it entered the prohibited airspace around Mecca.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, Coalition to Restore Legitimacy in Yemen spokesperson Major General Turki Al-Malki said the drone was intercepted south of Mecca at around 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15.
Saudi authorities described the incident as an attempt to target the holy city and said the security of the Two Holy Mosques and Umrah performers remained a priority.
Al-Malki also referred to a previous 2017 incident involving a ballistic missile and said the latest episode represented a serious threat. Saudi authorities said the incident was intended to cause fear among Umrah performers.
The development comes amid heightened tensions involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthi movement in Yemen. Saudi Arabia has reported a series of attacks on its territory in recent weeks, while the Houthis have disputed some Saudi claims concerning attacks directed towards Mecca.
India’s latest statement reiterated its broader position against attacks on sovereign territory and actions that endanger civilian lives and infrastructure, while stressing the need for peace and stability in the region.
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