India condemns drone attack near Mecca, stresses city's significance to Muslims

India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over a reported drone attack near Mecca in Saudi Arabia, condemning attacks that threaten the kingdom's sovereignty, civilians and infrastructure.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also highlighted the special religious significance of Mecca for Muslims across the world and hoped that peace and stability would return to the region at the earliest.

MEA condemns attacks on Saudi territory

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India strongly opposed attacks on Saudi Arabia's sovereign territory and actions that put civilian lives and infrastructure at risk.

"We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah. 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.

Jaiswal said the location of the incident was particularly concerning given Mecca's importance as Islam's holiest city and a major destination for pilgrims.

"We hope for the early restoration of peace and stability in the region," he added.

Saudi Arabia says drone was intercepted

Saudi Arabia said its air defences intercepted and destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on Tuesday before it entered the city's restricted airspace. The Saudi-led coalition described the security of Mecca and the two holy mosques as a "red line".

The incident came amid a wider escalation involving Yemen's Houthi group and Saudi Arabia. Saudi authorities have reported a series of recent attacks, while the Houthis have denied targeting Mecca or other Islamic holy sites.

The reported incident near Mecca has drawn particular attention because the city is Islam's holiest and is visited by millions of pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah.