New Delhi: Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed deep sorrow over the death of several Indian pilgrims in a bus accident near Medina in Saudi Arabia. The victims were part of a group travelling for Umrah, as per agency report.

The bus, carrying nearly 40 Indian nationals, many of them from Telangana, reportedly collided with an oil tanker around 1:30 am (Indian time). Television visuals showed the vehicle engulfed in flames, with thick smoke rising into the air.

Vice President Radhakrishnan said he was deeply saddened by the road accident near Medina and extended his condolences to the affected families. He expressed heartfelt sympathy towards the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

Prime Minister Modi also conveyed grief in a post on X, stating that he was extremely pained by the tragedy involving Indian citizens in Medina. He expressed solidarity with the families who had lost their loved ones and wished a quick recovery for all those injured.

The Prime Minister said the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah were providing all possible assistance and remained in close touch with Saudi authorities.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju described himself as shocked and deeply saddened by the news of the deaths of several Indian pilgrims in the accident on the Medina–Mecca highway. He also extended his condolences to the grieving families.

New Delhi, November 10 – Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has signed a bilateral Haj agreement in Jeddah confirming India’s Haj quota for 2026 at 1,75,025 pilgrims.

As per agency report, Rijiju, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 9, held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, in Jeddah on Sunday. During the meeting, both ministers reviewed the ongoing preparations for Haj, discussed ways to enhance coordination and logistical support, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to streamline the pilgrimage process for Indian Haj pilgrims.

The meeting focused on improving facilities, transportation, accommodation, and healthcare services to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for all pilgrims. Following the discussions, both sides signed the bilateral Haj agreement for 2026, confirming India’s national quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims.

Rijiju also chaired an internal review meeting with officials from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to assess the progress of Haj 2026 preparations. He appreciated the efforts made by the mission and consular teams in close coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure the welfare and comfort of Indian pilgrims.

During his visit, the Union Minister inspected key Haj and Umrah-related facilities, including Terminal 1 and the Haramain Station in Jeddah, and reviewed the available infrastructure for pilgrims. He also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in Jeddah and Taif.

In a social media post, Rijiju described the signing of the agreement as an important step in strengthening India–Saudi Arabia relations. He highlighted that the discussion on Haj 2026 reaffirmed both nations’ mutual commitment to ensuring a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for all participants.

According to the official statement, the visit marks a significant milestone in the growing partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, reflecting their shared commitment to enhance cooperation in diverse areas, particularly in cultural exchange and community welfare. The visit further strengthened the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and collaboration that has long guided India–Saudi Arabia relations, contributing positively to the welfare of pilgrims and the overall bilateral ties.

Rijiju was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan and Joint Secretary (Haj) Ram Singh from the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The visit took place at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Haj and Umrah.