Stranded in Saudi: Karnataka CM Urges EAM Jaishankar to Rescue 600 Umrah Pilgrims
CM DK Shivakumar writes to EAM S Jaishankar for the urgent repatriation of 600+ Karnataka pilgrims stranded in Saudi Arabia.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has reached out to the Union Government, seeking the immediate intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to rescue over 600 stranded Karnataka Umrah pilgrims currently stuck in the holy cities of Makkah and Madina in Saudi Arabia.
In a formal letter dated October 23, 2026, addressed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, the Chief Minister highlighted a growing humanitarian crisis. The pilgrims have been left stranded after return flights to Bengaluru and other Indian destinations were suspended, a move triggered by the escalating security tensions across the Middle East.
Severe Hardships and Financial Distress
The urgency of the situation was brought to light by the Chairman of the Karnataka State Haj Committee and his team, who recently conducted a visit to the holy cities. Their reports paint a grim picture of the conditions facing the devotees.
According to the Chief Minister, many pilgrims have completely exhausted their financial reserves. This has left them struggling to afford basic necessities, including food and safe accommodation. The situation has grown more critical as hotels in the region have begun asking the stranded individuals to vacate their rooms.
The CM expressed particular concern for the most vulnerable among the group, noting that elderly citizens, women, and children are facing extreme hardship due to the disruption of air services.
Call for Special Flights and Interim Aid
While some local Indian and Karnataka voluntary organizations have been providing temporary support, CM Shivakumar noted that these efforts are insufficient to meet the scale of the crisis. He has urged the MEA to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to resolve the deadlock.
The Chief Minister's requests to the Union Minister include:
- Urgent Repatriation: Coordination with Saudi authorities and airlines to assess the situation and arrange safe return travel.
- Special Flights: The facilitation of special chartered flights if necessary to bring the pilgrims home quickly.
- Immediate Assistance: Ensuring that interim financial and material aid is extended to the pilgrims until they can depart.
"The Ministry may also kindly facilitate special flights, wherever necessary, in coordination with the concerned authorities, and ensure that adequate interim assistance is extended to the pilgrims until their return," the letter stated.
Broader Security Concerns in Saudi Arabia
The plight of the pilgrims comes amidst a period of heightened instability in the region. Recent updates from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh reveal a series of violent incidents affecting Indian nationals in Saudi Arabia:
Airport and Oil Field Attacks
- Dammam Attack: On October 21, an attack on King Fahd International Airport in Dammam resulted in the tragic death of one Indian national. The Embassy is currently assisting the family in transporting the mortal remains back to India. Two other Indians were injured; one has been discharged, and the other is expected to be released from the hospital soon.
- Shaybah Oil Field: An Indian national injured in an attack on the Shaybah oil field in the Eastern Province was discharged from the hospital on October 22.
- Riyadh Airport Attack: Following an attack on October 10, one Indian national lost his life (funeral held on October 12). Currently, two injured Indians remain in the ICU and two in the normal ward, while seven others have been discharged.
The Indian Embassy has expressed gratitude to the Saudi authorities for the medical care provided to the injured. However, they have issued a stern advisory to the Indian community to remain cautious and strictly abide by Saudi laws, specifically warning against taking or sharing photos and videos of impact sites or security interceptions.