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Key Points

The Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, has conducted a thorough inspection of services for Haj pilgrims in Makkah and Jeddah. His review covered medical facilities, transportation, and accommodation to ensure a smooth experience for Indian Muslims. A significant highlight was welcoming an all-women pilgrim group under the progressive Lady Without Mehram policy. The government has steadily increased the national Haj quota, demonstrating commitment to facilitating religious travel.

Key Points: Suhel Khan Reviews Services for Indian Haj Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia

  • Indian Ambassador conducts comprehensive review of Haj pilgrimage services
  • All-women pilgrim group welcomed under progressive LWM policy
  • Pilgrimage quota increased from 136,020 to 175,025 in 2025
3 min read

Saudi Arabia: Medical, transport services reviewed to ensure seamless experience for Indian Haj pilgrims

Indian Ambassador inspects medical, transport, and accommodation facilities for Haj pilgrims, ensuring seamless experience and supporting women's participation

"Women are benefitting from the Government of India's progressive policy of allowing Haj without a male companion - Embassy of India, Riyadh"

Riyadh, May 15

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Khan conducted an inspection on Thursday of various functional desks, branch offices, and branch dispensaries set up to facilitate services to Indian Haj pilgrims.

He was accompanied by Indian Consul (Haj) Muhammed Abdul Jaleel and other coordinators.

"Ambassador Suhel Khan inspected various functional desks, branch offices, and branch dispensaries set up to serve the Indian pilgrims in Makkah. He was accompanied by Consul (Haj), Shri Muhammed Abdul Jaleel, and other Coordinators," Embassy of India in Riyadh posted on X.

"Ambassador Suhel Khan, along with Consul (Haj), Muhammed Abdul Jaleel, undertook a comprehensive review of the Azizia transport in Makkah. Azizia transport is seamless, 24-hour service provided for the pilgrims from their residences to the Haram Sharif by the Indian Haj Mission," the Embassy said in another post on X.

The medical and accommodation facilities for Indian Haj pilgrims are continuously monitored and reviewed.

The Indian Consul General of Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri on Wednesday had a review meeting with the officials and staff deployed in temporary branch offices and dispensaries, various cells and desks, set up by the Indian Haj Mission in Haj 2025 in Mecca.

Meanwhile, in a significant moment under the Indian government's progressive 'Lady Without Mehram' (LWM) policy, Suhel Khan and his wife on Wednesday received an all-women Haj pilgrim group from Kerala at the Jeddah Haj Terminal in Saudi Arabia.

"Ambassador Suhel Khan, along with his spouse Rifat Khan, welcomed an all-women group of pilgrims from Kerala at the Jeddah Haj Terminal today. Women are benefitting from the Government of India's progressive policy of allowing Haj without a male companion under the Lady Without Mehram category," the Embassy said.

With the Indian government committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless Haj pilgrimage for all, Ambassador Suhel Khan on Wednesday also reviewed the arrival arrangements of Indian pilgrims during his visit to the Jeddah Haj Terminal.

Accompanied by Consul General Abdul Jaleel, the Indian envoy met all the staff and the community volunteers.

The first batch of Indian Haj pilgrims had arrived in the country on April 29. With the government according highest priority for Indian Muslims to undertake the annual pilgrimage, the country allocation for India has gradually increased to 175,025 in 2025 from 136,020 in 2014.

For Haj 2025, the Indian Haj Mission is ensuring dedicated support for elderly pilgrims and persons with special needs, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), which, through the Haj Committee of India, manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to the nation.

All the necessary arrangements, including flight schedules, transportation, Mina camps, accommodation, and additional services, have been taken up and completed as per the Saudi requirements, within the given timelines.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a thoughtful initiative by our government! Ensuring medical and transport facilities for Haj pilgrims shows India's commitment to all its citizens. The 'Lady Without Mehram' policy is especially progressive 👏 More power to our sisters undertaking this spiritual journey independently!
A
Amit S.
While I appreciate the efforts, I hope the government maintains similar standards for all religious pilgrimages. Why only special arrangements for Haj? What about facilities for Amarnath or Kailash Mansarovar pilgrims? Equal treatment for all religions would be ideal.
R
Rahul M.
The increase in Haj quota from 136k to 175k shows India's growing diplomatic influence with Saudi Arabia. Good to see our ambassadors actively monitoring arrangements. This strengthens our soft power in the Gulf region.
S
Sunita P.
As someone whose mother went for Haj last year, I can say these facilities make a huge difference! The 24-hour transport service is a blessing for elderly pilgrims. Just wish the application process was simpler - still too much paperwork involved.
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Vikram J.
The focus on elderly pilgrims and persons with special needs is commendable. India should be proud of such inclusive policies. Hope the Saudi authorities maintain good coordination with our mission throughout the pilgrimage season.
N
Neha R.
Glad to see Kerala pilgrims being highlighted! Our southern states often get overlooked in national narratives. The ambassador's personal involvement in receiving them sends a positive message about India's diversity 🇮🇳

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