Daijiworld Media Network - Riyadh
Riyadh, May 15: Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Suhel Khan, conducted a detailed inspection of facilities in Makkah and Jeddah as part of India’s preparations for the upcoming Haj 2025 pilgrimage, which will accommodate 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims.
During his visit to Makkah, ambassador Khan assessed the operational readiness of functional help desks, branch offices, and dispensaries set up by the Indian Haj Mission. He was accompanied by Haj Consul Muhammed Abdul Jaleel and senior coordinators.
The team also reviewed the 24-hour Azizia transport system, which provides round-the-clock shuttle services for pilgrims from their residences to the Haram Sharif. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh described the system as “seamless and reliable.”
A day earlier, at the Jeddah Haj Terminal, Ambassador Khan and his spouse Rifat Khan welcomed an all-women group of pilgrims from Kerala. These women are traveling under the Indian government’s ‘Lady Without Mehram’ initiative, which allows women to perform Haj without a male guardian — a move hailed as a progressive step towards gender equality.
The envoy also evaluated arrival protocols at the terminal, meeting with officials, staff members, and community volunteers. He was joined in Jeddah by the Consul General of India, Mohammed Hashim.
Haj 2025 is tentatively scheduled from June 4 to June 9, subject to the moon sighting that marks the start of the Islamic month of Zil-Haj.