MEA Addresses False Claims of Indian Spy Arrest in Saudi Arabia

The Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement debunking false claims circulating on social media about the arrest of an Indian national in Saudi Arabia for alleged espionage. The MEA emphasized the importance of being cautious about misinformation, especially during times of international tension. The misleading information originated from a politically biased account on social media, which has a history of promoting unverified claims. This incident highlights the ongoing challenge of misinformation in today's digital landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 14:00 IST

Clarification from the Ministry of External Affairs

New Delhi: On Saturday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed a viral social media post that falsely claimed an Indian citizen had been detained in Saudi Arabia on suspicions of being an Israeli spy.

The misleading assertion, which circulated on the platform X, alleged that Saudi officials had apprehended two individuals connected to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, including an Indian, for allegedly planning bomb attacks to implicate Iran.

The MEA dismissed these allegations as unfounded and urged the public to be vigilant against such misinformation spreading online.

The ministry stated, "Please remain cautious of such outrageous and unverified claims on social media!" while responding to the viral content.

This claim is part of a larger trend of misinformation related to the ongoing tensions in the West Asia region. A government representative noted that there is no credible evidence or official confirmation supporting the assertion of an Indian national's detention in Saudi Arabia for such activities.

The false information originated from an account on X named 'Amoxicillin,' which posted the claim regarding the alleged arrest of the supposed Mossad agents.

This account has a history of sharing politically biased content, often promoting narratives favorable to the Congress party while disseminating unverified information.

It frequently posts messages lauding Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, framing his political statements in a positive light.

Additionally, the account has depicted Gandhi's comments as pointed critiques of what it refers to as 'Sanghis,' a term commonly used to describe supporters of the BJP, RSS, or other right-wing factions.

Simultaneously, the account often mocks or criticizes the BJP and its supporters, using phrases like 'Sanghi ecosystem' or 'bhakts' in its posts.

The MEA's statement comes as authorities continue to alert citizens about the rising tide of misinformation on social media, especially during times of heightened international tensions, when unverified claims can rapidly gain popularity.