Congress MP Shashi Tharoor seeks MEA help for Indian mountaineer stranded on Mount Denali

ANI June 19, 2025 261 views

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has urgently requested MEA assistance for a stranded Kerala mountaineer on Alaska's Denali. Shaikh Hassan Khan was attempting the peak as part of his global peace campaign Operation Sindoor. The Thiruvananthapuram MP praised Khan as the first Keralite to summit all seven continental peaks. Rescue efforts are underway with Indian and US authorities coordinating the operation.

"With timely intervention and cooperation of US agencies, these young men can be brought to safety" - Shashi Tharoor
New Delhi, June 19: Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to urgently intervene and assist Shaikh Hassan Khan, a young mountaineer from his constituency, Thiruvananthapuram, who is reportedly stranded at the 17,000 ft base camp on Mount Denali in Alaska.

Key Points

1

Tharoor writes to Jaishankar for stranded Kerala mountaineer

2

Khan climbed 7 continental peaks for peace campaign

3

Operation Sindoor honors Indian armed forces

4

First Keralite to complete '7 Summits Expedition'

Tharoor flagged the issue in a letter to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, expressing deep concern over the "precarious and life-threatening situation" the mountaineer finds himself in, and requested Indian authorities to coordinate with their US counterparts for a timely rescue.

According to the letter, Khan's ascent of Denali is part of a broader campaign to promote global peace and honour Indian armed forces under the banner of "Operation Sindoor."

https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1935400419997663620

Tharoor described Khan as a "committed and courageous young Indian" whose efforts reflected "exceptional determination, discipline, and a commitment to causes beyond personal achievement."

Highlighting the importance of swift action, Tharoor said he is confident that "with timely intervention and the cooperation of the appropriate American agencies, these young men can be brought to safety."

Taking to X, Tharoor posted, "Sadly the heroic young explorer is now stranded on Mount Denali. My urgent request for help from the Foreign Minister and our diplomats in the US."

In another post, he lauded Khan's accomplishments: "This young man from my constituency, Shaikh Hassan Khan, became the first Keralite (and perhaps the first Indian) to climb the highest peaks of 7 continents on Earth (what he calls his '7 Summits Expedition'). He achieved this feat after climbing Mount Kosciusko, the highest peak in Australia, on 10th November 2024 at 3PM. To celebrate this moment, he hoisted the Indian National Flag there, as he had on every other continent, including Antartica (in pic)."

https://x.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1858366018235912666

"He had already reached the summits of Mount Everest, Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Denali, Mount Elbrus, Mount Vinson, and Mount Aconcagua. He also summited Ojos del Salado, the highest active volcano on Earth."

"He says he undertook this '7 Summits Expedition' to spread awareness about climate change and to spread the message of world peace. I helped recommend him for a couple of visas; the rest is entirely his own extraordinary initiative. Well done, Shaikh Hassan! Your MP is proud of you. So should the rest of the country be!"

His remarkable journey now awaits a safe return, as efforts continue to bring him home.

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
Hats off to Shashi Tharoor for taking quick action! 👏 When our citizens face trouble abroad, it's heartening to see leaders step up. Hope MEA coordinates swiftly with US authorities. This young mountaineer is making India proud with his achievements!
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Rahul S.
While I appreciate Tharoor's concern, shouldn't mountaineers have proper insurance and contingency plans before attempting such dangerous climbs? Taxpayer money shouldn't routinely fund rescue missions for extreme sports.
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Ananya M.
What an inspiring story! 🇮🇳 Shaikh Hassan Khan is truly representing the adventurous spirit of Indian youth. His mission to promote peace and honor our armed forces through 'Operation Sindoor' is commendable. Praying for his safe return!
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Vikram J.
First Keralite to achieve this feat? That's something! Kerala is producing amazing talents in every field. Hope our government creates more support systems for adventure sports enthusiasts. #KeralaPride
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Sunita P.
The climate change awareness angle is important. While we pray for his rescue, let's not miss the bigger message about protecting our planet. Maybe schools should invite him for talks after his return!
K
Karthik N.
Denali is no joke - one of the most dangerous climbs in the world. Respect for attempting it, but hope this incident makes other Indian adventurers more cautious. Safety first, records can come later.

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