India has expressed deep concern after a drone strike near the Barakah nuclear power facility in the United Arab Emirates sharply escalated tensions in the Gulf region amid the ongoing Iran conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs described the attack as a “dangerous escalation” and urged all sides to exercise restraint and pursue diplomacy.
According to reports, multiple drones entered UAE airspace, with one reportedly striking an electrical generator area near the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region. UAE authorities confirmed that no radiation leak or injuries were reported and that emergency systems functioned successfully.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that attacks targeting nuclear facilities are “unacceptable” and warned that such incidents could seriously threaten regional stability and civilian safety. New Delhi also stressed the importance of protecting critical infrastructure during periods of geopolitical conflict.
The Barakah nuclear facility is one of the UAE’s most strategically important infrastructure projects and the Arab world’s first operational nuclear power plant. The incident has raised global concern because any attack involving nuclear infrastructure carries potential environmental and humanitarian risks.
The UAE has blamed Iran or Iran-backed proxy groups for the strike, though Tehran has reportedly denied direct involvement. Gulf countries including Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned the attack and called it a threat to regional security.
The attack comes at a time when tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel remain extremely high despite previous ceasefire efforts. Analysts say the latest incident could further destabilise the Gulf region and impact global oil markets and shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
India has significant strategic and economic interests in the Gulf region, including energy imports, trade routes, and the safety of millions of Indian expatriates living and working across the Middle East. New Delhi has repeatedly called for diplomatic solutions and uninterrupted maritime security in the region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also reportedly expressed concern over the strike and reiterated that nuclear facilities should never become targets during military or geopolitical conflicts.
