The Indian government has announced that it is working to facilitate the return of stranded Muslim pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. These pilgrims have been stranded due to flight disruptions caused by Houthi attacks on airport infrastructure in the country.
Efforts by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the Indian embassy in Riyadh and the consulate in Jeddah are coordinating with airlines and tour operators to arrange the return of the pilgrims. According to the ministry, about 3,000 Umrah pilgrims have returned to India in the past week, along with over 10,000 other pilgrims who traveled on scheduled services.
Status of the pilgrims and concerns
Umrah pilgrims refer to the journey to the holy sites of Islam that takes place outside the month of Dhul-Hijjah. Additionally, Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM), has announced that about 4,000 Indian pilgrims are stranded in Mecca and Medina, as Indian airlines have canceled their flights.
In recent weeks, renewed conflicts in Saudi Arabia with Iran-backed Houthis have escalated. The Houthis have attacked several major Saudi airports, causing some Indians to become trapped amid the fighting. On Wednesday, an Indian citizen was killed in an attack on Dammam airport, and two others were injured.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that arrangements are being considered to facilitate the return of other Umrah pilgrims as quickly as possible.
Consequences of Houthi attacks
The Houthi attacks have also raised concerns about the safety of pilgrims and travel conditions in Saudi Arabia. In light of this situation, the Indian government is working to ensure that the pilgrims return home safely.
These conflicts and attacks on airport infrastructure have not only affected the status of the pilgrims but have also raised concerns among their families in India. The Indian government is making every effort to quickly bring the stranded pilgrims back to their homes.
