Union Minister of Minority Affairs’ Reaction
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju expressed deep shock over the tragic bus accident on the Medina–Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian pilgrims.
Ministry of Minority Affairs is in continuous touch with Indian Embassy officials, who are gathering more details & extending all possible assistance.
Details of the Accident
A tragic road accident occurred on the Medina–Mecca highway on 17 November 2025, involving a bus carrying Indian Umrah pilgrims. The bus reportedly collided with a fuel tanker, resulting in the death of Indian pilgrims.
Union Minister of Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju expressed deep shock over the tragic bus accident on the Medina–Mecca highway in Saudi Arabia that claimed the lives of Indian pilgrims. Shri Rijiju extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Consular Response
The Embassy of India, Riyadh and the Consulate General of India, Jeddah are also in touch with the Saudi Haj and Umrah Ministry, and other local authorities. The CGI, Jeddah, is closely monitoring the situation and is extending all required consular assistance, including hospital support and facilitation of essential formalities.
The CGI has set up a camp office at the Indian Hajj Pilgrims Office in Medina to assist the families of the Indian nationals who lost their lives in the accident. Additionally, the Consulate has activated a toll-free helpline number to support the families of the deceased pilgrims, urging family members to reach out for immediate support.
Government Coordination
Ministry of Minority Affairs is in touch with Indian Embassy officials who are gathering more details & extending all possible assistance. The Haj Division of the Ministry of Minority Affairs is in continuous touch with CGI, Jeddah.
CEO, Haj Committee of India (HCoI) has been deputed to Jeddah to assess the situation on the ground and to coordinate follow-up actions with the CGI. The Ambassador of India in Riyadh is also overseeing the matter and remains in continuous contact with the concerned authorities. Further CEO HCoI in Mumbai has been coordinating with Telangana Haj Committee regarding the incident. CEO HCoI is presently in Jeddah to coordinate with CGI for follow up actions on the tragic incident.
Media Delegation Programme
The session was attended by senior dignitaries including Smt. Smita Vats Sharma, Director General, Press Information Bureau; Shri Prabhat Kumar, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting; and Shri Prakash Magdum, Managing Director, National Film Development Corporation. Addressing the delegates, they highlighted the essential role of an informed and sensitized media in bridging the gap between filmmakers and audiences. They emphasized that a nuanced grasp of film art enables journalists to convey richer and more meaningful narratives.
Certificates were awarded to the participating media delegates by Shri Prabhat Kumar, Shri Prakash Magdum, and Ms. Smita Vats Sharma, marking the successful completion of the programme. With strengthened critical perspectives and renewed appreciation for cinema, the delegates are now well-prepared to engage with the diverse cinematic offerings at the 56th International Film Festival of India.