The Indian consulate in Jeddah said it distributed 15,475 kilograms (34,100 pounds) of food over the weekend. It said it was trying to reach all affected Indians "to help them overcome this crisis."

Sushma Swaraj, India's Minister of External Affairs, said that a large number Indians in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait had lost their jobs,Many are now stuck in camps for migrant workers.

"I assure you that no Indian worker rendered unemployed in Saudi Arabia will go without food," Swaraj said . She said more than 10,000 Indians in the country were facing a "food shortage" and dispatched one of her deputies to the country.