India, Sept. 16 -- India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over an attempted drone attack on the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia and called for the early restoration of peace and stability in West Asia.

Saudi authorities said a drone launched by Yemen's Houthi rebels towards Mecca was intercepted and destroyed before it entered restricted airspace over the holy city on Tuesday evening. The Houthis have denied the Saudi account and said they do not pose a threat to Mecca.

"We are deeply concerned at the drone attack near Makkah," external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. "The incident near Makkah is particularly concerning, given the special significance of the city to Muslims across the world.

India reiterates i...