A high-level Indian government delegation arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday (19 November 2025) to assist local authorities and oversee relief efforts following the tragic bus accident that claimed the lives of several Indian Umrah pilgrims. The team, led by Andhra Pradesh Governor Justice S. Abdul Nazeer, landed in Madina and was received by India’s Ambassador Suhel Khan, Consul General in Jeddah Fahad Suri, and senior officials from the Saudi Foreign Ministry.
Delegation to supervise relief and support operations
According to a statement shared by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, the Governor is heading the delegation to “render fullest assistance and oversee relief measures” after the deadly accident involving Indian pilgrims.
Arun Kumar Chatterjee, Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, is also part of the delegation, underscoring the seriousness with which the Government of India is approaching the crisis.
Officials said the delegation will coordinate closely with Saudi authorities, offer support to the injured, and help streamline the process of identifying the deceased. The team is also expected to participate in the last rites of the victims, in accordance with local protocols and family requests.
Accident claimed several Indian lives
The horrific accident occurred early Monday (17 November 2025) near Madina, when a bus carrying more than 40 Indian Umrah pilgrims reportedly collided with an oil tanker around 1.30 a.m. IST.
Initial reports indicate that most of the deceased were Indian nationals, with many belonging to Telangana. The bus was travelling from Mecca to Madina at the time of the tragedy.
The scale of the loss has devastated several families in Hyderabad and other parts of Telangana, with three generations from some families reportedly perishing in the crash.
Embassy and consulate working to expedite processes
The Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah are closely coordinating with Saudi authorities to speed up the identification of mortal remains. Consular teams have been deployed on the ground to assist survivors, support grieving families, and ensure that all necessary documentation and procedures are completed without delay.
In addition, the Government of India is facilitating the travel of the victims’ families to Saudi Arabia. Officials said priority is being given to ensuring smooth logistics, emotional support, and dignified handling of all formalities.
India’s commitment to affected families
The arrival of the high-level delegation signals New Delhi’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad, particularly in moments of tragedy. With multiple agencies working in tandem, the focus remains on providing timely assistance, bringing clarity to families awaiting news, and ensuring that the deceased receive respectful last rites.
Conclusion
As relief operations continue, both Indian and Saudi authorities are working together to complete identification, support survivors, and help families navigate the painful aftermath of the incident. The government has reaffirmed that all possible support will be extended until the process is complete