How Does 'Team Bharat' Safeguard Indian Pilgrims Arriving in Arafat for the Core Haj Ritual?

Riyadh, June 5 (NationPress) Indian Haj pilgrims gathered with millions of others on Thursday at Mount Arafat, located just outside Mecca in Saudi Arabia, to partake in Wuquf-e-Arafat, a vital ritual of Haj. The Indian Medical Mission played a crucial role in ensuring that all pilgrims, including those who were unwell or hospitalized, reached the site on time via dedicated ambulances and special buses. This effort is a clear reflection of the Indian Haj Mission’s dedication and compassion during the pilgrimage.

India's Consul General in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, confirmed the successful arrival of Indian pilgrims in Arafat, noting that the Indian Haj Mission, in collaboration with Saudi authorities, facilitated a seamless journey for the devotees.

“I am delighted to announce that every pilgrim from India has made it to Arafat safely. I extend my warmest greetings and best wishes to all gathered here, at the climax of their Haj journey. The five sacred days spent in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah are a period for profound reflection and devotion, encapsulating the essence of Haj,” expressed the Indian Consul General.

“We have implemented thorough arrangements in collaboration with relevant Saudi authorities to guarantee the safe and smooth transit of pilgrims, from their transport to Arafat and onward to Muzdalifah and Mina. We express our deepest gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, its officials, especially the Ministry of Haj and Umrah, and all associated agencies and service providers for their unwavering efforts in ensuring a safe and spiritually enriching Haj experience,” he added.

On Wednesday, Shersha Mohiddin, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), along with other senior officials from the Haj Committee of India, visited Mina camps in Saudi Arabia to evaluate the facilities set up for Indian Haj pilgrims.

The team reviewed the grievance redressal process through the Haj Suvidha App 2.0 and observed coordination efforts at the Central Control Room, ensuring smooth operations and improved support for the pilgrims.

With the Indian government committed to providing a safe, smooth, and dignified experience for all Indian pilgrims, officials assisted them as they moved from Mecca to Mina, marking the commencement of the five-day core Haj period. The team, in cooperation with Saudi Authorities, ensured a seamless journey for all pilgrims, showcasing India's dedication to the welfare of its citizens.

Suhel Ajaz Khan, India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, also addressed the Indian Haj pilgrims ahead of the core rituals, extending his best wishes and assuring them of comprehensive support, while emphasizing the presence of dedicated administrative and medical personnel available to assist pilgrims throughout their journey.

The Indian Consul General also led a briefing on medical care arrangements in the Mashaer Region (Tent City of Mina, and the plains of Muzdalifah and Arafat) for Indian Haj Pilgrims. The session included Indian Consul (Haj) Muhammed Abdul Jaleel, along with officials, doctors, and nurses from 'Team India' assigned to Haj 2025.

Last week, Indian pilgrims embarking on their Haj pilgrimage expressed appreciation for the arrangements and quality of services provided by the Indian government to ensure a smooth and seamless experience in Saudi Arabia.

“Indian pilgrims who participated in Haj 2025 through the Haj Committee of India are highly satisfied with the management by the Government of India and the facilities made available. The Ministry of Minority Affairs continuously strives to ensure a comfortable and dignified journey for each Haj pilgrim,” the Ministry of Minority Affairs posted on X.

Moreover, Minister of State for Minority Affairs, George Kurian, emphasized the dedicated efforts of the Centre in ensuring a successful and smooth Haj experience for pilgrims.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated that the government remains focused on enhancing the pilgrimage experience for devotees.

The Indian government has worked tirelessly over the past decade to ensure that the Haj pilgrimage is transparent, uniform, cost-effective, safe, and spiritually fulfilling for all pilgrims.

The Indian Haj Mission, which represents the largest operation of its kind conducted by the Government of India outside its borders, has meticulously coordinated logistics with the relevant Saudi authorities to ensure the success of this initiative.

In the previous year, the Indian government made extensive arrangements to assist over 175,000 pilgrims from India who gathered at the sacred Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia.

In collaboration with the Saudi Haj Ministry, the Indian Haj Mission handled all logistics related to the movement of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat, including their accommodations and return journeys.