NEW DELHI: Union minister for parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijiju on Friday said Indian authorities were helping Umrah pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia return home, adding that those affected had reached India safely while arrangements were underway for others awaiting assistance.In a post on X, Rijiju said more than 10,000 other Umrah pilgrims had also returned to India earlier. He shared contact details of round-the-clock control rooms at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah for nationals requiring help.“The government is always proactive on the issues and concerns of Indian citizens. The stranded Umrah pilgrims have returned to India safely, in addition to more than 10,000 normal Umrah pilgrims who have returned earlier. Remaining Umrah pilgrims are being assisted,” Rijiju wrote.
The Embassy of India in Riyadh can be contacted at +966-554412016 and +966-542126784. Its toll-free number, 8002471234, is available for calls from within Saudi Arabia. WhatsApp messages can be sent to +966-536216082.The Consulate General of India in Jeddah can be reached at +966-12-2614093 and +966-556122301. Its WhatsApp number for messages is +966-536209704.Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said around 3,000 stranded Indian Umrah pilgrims had travelled back from Saudi Arabia over the preceding week, with Indian diplomatic missions coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate their return.India is coordinating with airlines and tour operators to facilitate the early return of Indian pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia amid the regional security situation,