India has condemned the alleged drone attack near Mecca after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the incident was particularly concerning because of Mecca’s importance to Muslims around the world. India also reiterated its opposition to attacks on Saudi territory and actions that put civilians and infrastructure at risk.&nbsp;“The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.&nbsp;India also expressed hope that peace and stability would return to the region at the earliest.&nbsp;“We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said.<h3>Saudi Arabia intercepts drone near Mecca</h3>The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it could enter the restricted airspace around the holy city.&nbsp;Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki described the incident as a hostile act and warned that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line”. He said the coalition would take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our response to media queries regarding the drone attack near Makkah ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/l3qVpApFa3">https://t.co/l3qVpApFa3</a> <a href="https://t.co/2bXH7fzijo">pic.twitter.com/2bXH7fzijo</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2100176002878144748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Saudi Arabia said the drone was launched by the Houthis, who are based in Yemen and have been involved in the wider regional conflict.&nbsp;However, Houthi military spokesperson Brigadier General Yahya Saree denied that the group had targeted Mecca or other Islamic holy sites. He said Houthi operations were aimed at Saudi oil facilities and military bases away from the sacred sites.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-will-be-completely-different-and-very-short-if-europe-attacks-russia-warns-lavrov-1789561780082">War will be ‘completely different and very short’ if Europe attacks Russia, warns Lavrov</a><h3>OIC backs Saudi Arabia</h3>The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the reported incident and expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;The 57-member organisation backed measures taken by Riyadh to protect its security and sovereignty, as well as the safety and sanctity of Islamic holy sites.&nbsp;The incident comes amid rising tensions between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis, with recent attacks also raising concerns about regional security and shipping routes.

India condemned the reported drone attack near Mecca, with the MEA calling the incident particularly concerning due to the city’s significance to Muslims worldwide.

India has condemned the alleged drone attack near Mecca after Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a drone launched by Yemen-based Houthi rebels. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the incident was particularly concerning because of Mecca’s importance to Muslims around the world. India also reiterated its opposition to attacks on Saudi territory and actions that put civilians and infrastructure at risk. “The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. India also expressed hope that peace and stability would return to the region at the earliest. “We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region,” Jaiswal said. Saudi Arabia intercepts drone near Mecca The Saudi-led coalition said its air defences intercepted and destroyed the drone south of Mecca on Tuesday evening before it could enter the restricted airspace around the holy city. Coalition spokesman Major General Turki Al-Malki described the incident as a hostile act and warned that the security of the Two Holy Mosques and pilgrims was a “red line”. He said the coalition would take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.

India condemned the reported drone attack near Mecca, with the MEA calling the incident particularly concerning due to the city’s significance to Muslims worldwide.

‘Particularly concerning’: India condemns alleged Houthi drone attack near Mecca

What began as a conventional diplomatic engagement has evolved into one of South Asia’s most consequential bilateral relationships, underpinned by energy security, strategic defence cooperation, and the presence of nearly 2.7 million Indians living and working in the Kingdom.

What began as a conventional diplomatic engagement has evolved into one of South Asia’s most consequential bilateral relationships, underpinned by energy security, strategic defence cooperation, and the presence of nearly 2.7 million Indians living and working in the Kingdom.

From 1947 to 2025: The evolution of India–Saudi Arabia relations

india-saudi-arabia-timeline

India Saudi Arabia Timeline, News on India Saudi Arabia Timeline, stories on India Saudi Arabia Timeline, articles on India Saudi Arabia Timeline, India Saudi Arabia Timeline stories at Wion, India Saudi Arabia Timeline news, India Saudi Arabia Timeline latest news

india saudi-arabia-timeline

‘Particularly concerning’: India condemns alleged Houthi drone attack near Mecca

From 1947 to 2025: The evolution of India–Saudi Arabia relations