Saudi Arabia
Sadaf Choudhary Becomes First Woman Hajj Consul at Indian Consulate in Saudi Arabia: In a historic first for Indian diplomacy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Sadaf Choudhary has been appointed as the Hajj Consul at the Indian Consulate, marking the first time a woman has taken charge of this crucial role. Her appointment is being widely hailed as a milestone for gender representation and leadership within India’s foreign services.
A native of Roorkee in Uttarakhand, Sadaf Choudhary assumed the new responsibility after serving as Head of Chancery at the Indian Consulate in Marseille, France. She is a 23rd rank holder of the 2020 Civil Services Examination, securing the highest rank in the Muslim category, a distinction that underscores her academic excellence and administrative capability.
As Hajj Consul, Choudhary will play a pivotal role alongside the Indian Ambassador and the Consul General in overseeing the welfare, security, accommodation, and logistical coordination for hundreds of thousands of Indian pilgrims undertaking the annual Hajj pilgrimage. Her responsibilities include close collaboration with Saudi authorities and Hajj service agencies to ensure smooth, safe, and efficient pilgrimage operations.
She succeeds Mohammed Abdul Jaleel, a native of Kannur, who has been transferred to the Union Ministry of External Affairs as Secretary in charge of the Bangladesh–Myanmar desk. In addition to heading the Hajj department, Sadaf Choudhary will also oversee the Commerce department, a portfolio previously managed by former Consul Mohammed Hashim, who has also been transferred to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Adding to the recent leadership changes at the Indian Consulate in Jeddah, Imam Mehdi Hussain has taken charge as Head of Chancery for the Press, Information, and Cultural departments. A native of Champaran in Bihar, Imam Hussain brings prior diplomatic experience, having served at the Indian Embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
These appointments reflect India’s continued efforts to strengthen diplomatic engagement, improve pilgrim services, and promote inclusive leadership within its overseas missions. Sadaf Choudhary’s elevation as the first woman Hajj Consul stands as a powerful symbol of progress, professionalism, and representation in Indian foreign service history.
