India warns nationals in Saudi Arabia against filming missile interceptions

NEW DELHI: India has advised its nationals living in Saudi Arabia to follow local laws and avoid filming or sharing information about missile and drone interceptions, warning that doing so could expose them to legal consequences.

The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia shared a notification from the kingdom’s Directorate of Civil Defence on Sunday, urging Indian nationals to comply with local laws. The notice warned that filming or sharing footage of missile and drone interceptions, or information about sites where projectiles or debris landed, could attract legal consequences.

The restriction was issued by Saudi authorities, while the Indian Embassy relayed the warning to Indian nationals living in the kingdom. The advisory comes amid heightened regional tensions and reports of missile and drone attacks in the region.

Separately, Indian carriers Air India and Air India Express announced suspensions of some flights to and from Saudi Arabia. Services connecting Riyadh and Dammam were suspended until November 7, while flights to and from Jeddah were suspended until October 31, according to the latest updates cited in reports.

The Consulate General of India in Jeddah has also said its control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah are assisting Indian nationals affected by travel disruptions. Assistance includes food, essential medicines and other immediate needs where feasible.

Indian officials are coordinating with Saudi authorities over difficulties caused by the flight suspensions, including issues involving visa validity and delayed departures.