Jeddah: In a significant move to ensure smooth execution of the upcoming Haj pilgrimage, Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on April 8, 2025. Accompanied by Joint Secretary Shri CPS Bakshi, the high-level delegation is on a multi-day visit to oversee and review the ongoing preparations for this year’s Haj pilgrimage, scheduled to take place in early June.
This visit is part of the Government of India’s proactive approach to ensure that the arrangements for the Indian contingent of Haj pilgrims are seamless, safe, and meticulously planned. The Haj pilgrimage is one of the most significant religious events for Muslims worldwide, and India, being home to one of the largest Muslim populations globally, plays a crucial role in its annual organization.
Upon arrival, Dr. Kumar and Shri Bakshi engaged with senior officials of the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, the Haj Committee of India, and Saudi authorities responsible for pilgrimage coordination. Their discussions focused on critical aspects such as accommodation, transportation, medical support, food provisions, and overall logistical frameworks that cater to Indian pilgrims.
Highlighting the importance of the visit, a statement released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Delhi, on April 9, 2025, at 12:12 PM, noted: "The visit underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a seamless and well-organized pilgrimage for Indian Haj pilgrims."
During the initial meetings, Secretary Kumar emphasized the Indian government’s resolve to provide top-tier services and facilities to its pilgrims. He acknowledged the efforts made by both the Saudi administration and the Indian Haj Mission in Jeddah in implementing infrastructural upgrades and streamlining the pilgrim experience.
He also reiterated the importance of coordination between various Indian and Saudi agencies to address any emerging issues promptly, especially in light of the extreme weather conditions and large-scale logistical challenges that typically accompany the Haj season.
Sources close to the delegation revealed that the team is expected to conduct site visits to pilgrim accommodations in Makkah and Madinah, inspect health facilities, and evaluate food and transport arrangements. Special attention is being paid to the needs of elderly pilgrims and those requiring medical assistance.
The visit also reflects the Indian government’s broader strategy to modernize and digitize Haj operations. Over the past few years, digital platforms and mobile applications have been introduced to enhance transparency, simplify communication, and offer real-time support to pilgrims during their journey.
Under the leadership of Dr. Kumar, the Ministry of Minority Affairs has been actively engaging with stakeholders to incorporate feedback and introduce reforms in the annual Haj process. The 2025 pilgrimage is expected to see improved facilities, including upgraded mobile clinics, AI-driven crowd management systems, and enhanced grievance redressal mechanisms.
The Haj Committee of India has been working in tandem with the Consulate General of India in Jeddah and the Indian Haj Mission to implement a pilgrim-centric approach, focusing on convenience, dignity, and safety.
Earlier in 2025, the Government of India had rolled out several new initiatives, including increased digital literacy campaigns for Haj applicants, multilingual help centers, and an AI-integrated app that allows pilgrims.
[Reported by Amit Deshmukh]
