First Woman Appointed Hajj Consul at Indian Consulate in Jeddah, Marking Historic Milestone

Jeddah:In a significant milestone for India’s diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah has appointed its first-ever woman Hajj Consul. Sadaf Chaudhary, a 2021-batch Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, has assumed charge as Consul for Hajj and Commerce, marking a new chapter in India’s Hajj diplomacy.

This is the first time a woman diplomat has been entrusted with the Hajj portfolio at the Jeddah consulate, a key post that plays a crucial role in coordinating arrangements for Indian pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage.

Professional Background

Prior to her posting in Jeddah, Chaudhary served as Head of Chancery at the Indian Consulate in Marseille, France. She succeeds Mohammed Abdul Jalil, a native of Kannur, who has been transferred to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi, where he has taken charge as Secretary handling the Bangladesh–Myanmar desk.

Role in Hajj 2026 Preparations

As Hajj Consul, Chaudhary will play a central role in overseeing preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. Working closely with the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the Consul General in Jeddah, she will lead efforts to ensure essential arrangements and facilities for Indian pilgrims.

In addition to her Hajj responsibilities, Chaudhary has also been assigned additional charge of the Commerce section at the consulate, a portfolio previously handled by Mohammed Hashim. Her expanded role is expected to strengthen coordination in trade and commercial engagements between India and the western region of Saudi Arabia.

Other Key Appointments

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah has also witnessed other important appointments. Iman Mahdi Hussain has taken charge as Head of Chancery and has additionally assumed responsibilities as Consul for Press, Information and Culture. Originally from Bihar, Hussain previously served at the Indian Embassy in Ethiopia.

Officials believe that the new appointments will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the consulate, particularly in the areas of Hajj management, trade facilitation and cultural outreach.

The developments are being viewed as a positive step towards strengthening India’s diplomatic and people-to-people engagement with Saudi Arabia, especially in the context of the large number of Indian pilgrims and expatriates in the Kingdom.