Indian Killed in Riyadh by Missile Debris as West Asia Tensions Rise
Indian Killed in Riyadh by Missile Debris as West Asia Tensions Rise
Second Indian national dies in Saudi Arabia after missile debris hits Riyadh amid West Asia crisis; authorities pledge safety measures for expatriates.
An Indian national has died in Riyadh after debris from an Iranian missile struck the Saudi capital, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said on Friday. This marks the second Indian fatality in Saudi Arabia since the start of the US-Israel war on Iran on February 28. The Ministry of External Affairs said six Indians have died across the region, and one person is missing and presumed dead. Officials say the Indian national is believed to have died after being hit by missile debris.
Riyadh’s deadly incident comes amid broader hostilities in West Asia, with the region already tense since the fighting intensified earlier this year. An Indian national was killed in the same area on March 8 when a military projectile struck, an event that also injured several others and underscored the mounting risks for expatriates across several Arab states.
On the diplomatic front, about 26 lakh Indians in the kingdom have been in contact with authorities since the crisis began, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaking to Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan also spoke by phone around March 15 to discuss regional developments and ongoing efforts to safeguard Indian nationals.
The embassy’s statement conveyed condolences and said it is coordinating with local authorities and providing all possible assistance to the family. It urged Indian nationals to stay vigilant and strictly adhere to safety guidelines while in the region.
Analysts note the incident highlights the volatility of West Asia and the ongoing need for robust safety measures for expatriates, as regional tensions continue to unfold and governments work to protect their citizens abroad.
