Latest news with #SuhelKhan
Hans India
24-05-2025
- Hans India
Indian Haj pilgrims praise Centre for quality facilities, seamless conduct of holy journey
Riyadh: Indians who embarked on Haj pilgrimage appreciated arrangements and the quality of facilities offered by the Indian government to ensure a smooth and seamless journey for all in Saudi Arabia. "Indian pilgrims who went for Haj 2025 through the Haj Committee of India are very happy with the management of the Government of India and the facilities being provided there. It is the constant endeavour of the Ministry of Minority Affairs to ensure a comfortable and dignified journey for every Haj pilgrim," the Ministry of Minority Affairs posted on X on Saturday. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, on Friday highlighted the dedicated efforts of the Centre in ensuring a smooth and successful Haj for pilgrims. Earlier on Friday, Indian Consul General of Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, led 'Team India' deployed in Haj 2025, in facilitating the movement of pilgrims from Haram Shareef to their accommodations in Azizia (Mecca) after offering Friday prayer. The huge rush of pilgrims coming out from Haram Shareef after offering Friday prayer required coordination among 'Team India' members to guide the pilgrims to their designated bus points and provide on-the-spot required medical care and assistance. Medical care and assistance are being provided to the pilgrims by the mobile medical care team of the Indian Haj Mission. From dispensaries near pilgrims' accommodation to fully equipped hospitals, the Indian Haj Mission has ensured accessible medical care. Additionally, doctors, nurses, and ambulances are made available round-the-clock for any health concerns. On Thursday, Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri reviewed the arrangements for the movement of pilgrims from Mecca and 'Mina' and their stay at 'Arafat' to perform the rituals of Haj. Last week, India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, met pilgrims in Mecca to ensure a comfortable Haj pilgrimage for all. "Ambassador Suhel Khan visited pilgrims from various states and enquired about their welfare and issues of concern in Mecca today. The Government of India remains committed to ensuring the comfort and safety of the Indian pilgrims and making their spiritual Haj journey hassle-free," the Embassy of India in Riyadh posted on X. The Indian Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri earlier held 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.
Deccan Herald
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Deccan Herald
Indian envoy in Saudi inspects Haj facilities for pilgrims
Ambassador Dr Suhel Khan visited pilgrims from various states & enquired about their welfare & issues of concern in Makkah today. GOI remains committed to ensuring the comfort & safety of the Indian pilgrims & making their spiritual Haj journey hassle-free.
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
First batch of Indian Haj pilgrims arrives in Saudi Arabia
New Delhi: The first batch of Indian Haj pilgrims were accorded a warm welcome at the Madina Airport in Saudi Arabia by Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Suhel Khan and Consul General Fahad Suri on Tuesday. They were joined by the Saudi Deputy Minister for Haj and Umrah, Abdulaziz A. Wazzan, and several other senior Saudi officials. As many as 1,22,518 pilgrims from India will be undertaking the sacred journey during Haj 2025 with the first two flights carrying 288 pilgrims from Lucknow and 262 pilgrims from Hyderabad landing today, Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju posted on X. The pilgrims were given a warm welcome upon their arrival and their entry procedures were completed in a swift and efficient manner. They were transferred to their accommodations in Madina subsequently. 'Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India remains committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless Haj pilgrimage for all. Prayers for a safe, blessed and spiritually enriching pilgrimage,' Rijiju stated. The government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accorded highest priority for Indian Muslims to undertake the annual pilgrimage. As a result of the efforts, the country allocation for India has gradually increased to 175,025 in 2025 from 136,020 in 2014. The Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) through the Haj Committee of India manages arrangements for the bulk of the quota allotted to India, which is 122,518 in the current year. 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. The balance of over 52,000 slots of the quota were allotted as is customary to private tour operators. Due to changes in Saudi guidelines, more than 800 Private Tour Operators were consolidated into 26 legal entities termed Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs), by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, this year. Addressing legal challenges, the Haj quota was allocated by the Ministry to these 26 CHGOs well in advance. However, despite reminders, they failed to comply with the necessary timelines set by the Saudi authorities and failed to finalise the mandatory contracts, including for Mina camps, accommodation, and transport of pilgrims.
News18
22-04-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Cross-Border Terrorism From Pakistan Discussed': MEA Says Saudi Arabia Condemned Pahalgam Attack
Last Updated: Suhel Khan, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said India and Saudi Arabia discussed the Pahalgam terror attack and have an "excellent cooperation" on issues related to terrorism India on Tuesday said Saudi Arabia condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which claimed 28 lives, including two foreign nationals, and left several others injured. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) held a press briefing after Prime Minister Narendra Modi abruptly ended his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and decided to return to New Delhi following the deadly attack. Modi, who held bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, skipped an official dinner hosted to address the crisis. Suhel Khan, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said cross-border terrorism from Pakistan was openly discussed. India and Saudi Arabia have an 'excellent cooperation" on issues related to terrorism, he said. 'His Royal Highness also offered any help in this regard. We continue to work together on this issue. Both leaders expressed their condolences. The Crown Prince assured all help," the MEA said. Besides the discussions on the terror attack in Pahalgam, the two countries also inked an agreement on two refineries that will be built in India. Agreements in the sectors of space and healthcare were also signed. 'Warm and close friendship visible today. The PM was given special honour, aircraft was escorted, Saudi delegation had various senior ministers. Two leaders agreed to expand scope of strategic partnerhsip council in areas of defence and culture," the ministry added.
