Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: A video from a trade exhibition in Riyadh has sparked outrage after an Indian man was harassed for representing an Indian company, with the stall singled out as “Hindu” by a Saudi visitor. The incident, which has circulated widely on social media, shows a man at the Larsen & Toubro (L&T) booth being mocked for the absence of Muslim employees.
The video pans across the booth as the Saudi visitor criticizes the company, claiming that it did not have a single Muslim staff member. The Indian exhibitor can be seen holding a phone, recording the encounter before looking around in discomfort. The video has not been independently verified .
UAE-based political analyst Amjad Taha shared the clip on X, condemning the behaviour as “blatant racism” and an “assault on dignity, faith, and free enterprise.” He praised India as a “great civilisation” and emphasized that faith-based harassment has no place in modern society.
Social media users rallied to defend L&T, highlighting its significance as a $60-70 billion organisation and its role in India’s defence and infrastructure sectors. One user noted, “He is doing this to L&T, which builds nuclear submarines and advanced technology unmatched by Saudi resources.” Another added that Saudi Arabia’s high ranking for racial bias in the Middle East makes the incident particularly concerning.
Founded in 1938, L&T remains predominantly Indian-led and is a major player in engineering, construction, and technology. Its presence at international trade events aligns with growing economic cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in infrastructure, energy, and mining projects.
The incident has prompted debates over discrimination at global trade platforms and reinforced calls for respect for diverse business cultures. Officials and analysts alike stress that economic engagement should remain free from religious or sectarian bias.
