By: Syed Zia ur Rahman, YaHind.Com
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — The vibrant Indian expatriate community in Saudi Arabia came together in a heartfelt and grand farewell ceremony to honour outgoing Indian Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, who has completed his distinguished tenure in the Kingdom.
Led by the All India Steering Committee, the event brought together representatives from diverse Indian community organizations, social workers, voluntary groups, and regional associations from various Indian states. The gathering reflected the deep appreciation and strong bond between the Indian diaspora and the Ambassador.
The farewell ceremony took place on Friday evening at the Holiday Inn Al Qasr Hotel in Olaya, Riyadh. Community leaders and dignitaries felicitated Dr. Khan with warmth and gratitude for his dedicated service, accessibility, and proactive support for Indian nationals during his posting.
Ambassador’s Address and Appreciation
In his farewell address, Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan expressed profound thanks to the Indian community for their unwavering support throughout his tenure. He commended the community’s remarkable spirit of volunteerism, their efforts in promoting Indian culture in Saudi Arabia, and their significant role in strengthening bilateral relations between India and the Kingdom.
Dr. Khan particularly appreciated the Indian business community for its pivotal contribution to deepening economic and commercial ties between the two nations. He assured all present that the Indian Embassy would continue to serve the community with the utmost commitment and dedication, ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals remains a top priority.
Key Attendees and Program Highlights
The event featured addresses by several prominent figures, including:
- Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George
- All India Steering Committee members: Shihab Kottukad, Niyas Ahmed, Misbahul Arifeen, K.M. Kanakalal, Mohammed Mubin, Revel Antony, Mohammed Jabbar, Ghulam Khan, Santhosh Shetty, and Anwar Khurshid
The program commenced with a warm welcome address by Convenor Mohammed Zaigham Khan and concluded with a vote of thanks by Abdul Ahad Siddiqui. Inamullah Baig efficiently anchored the ceremony, while Ahmed Imtiaz and Saleem Mahi invited dignitaries and organization representatives to the stage to honour the Ambassador.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of a commemorative plaque to Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan by the All India Steering Committee. The ceremony concluded with a grand dinner, fostering further camaraderie among attendees.
Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan’s Tenure
A 1997-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan assumed charge as India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia on January 16, 2023. During his tenure, he was widely regarded as a highly accessible and people-friendly diplomat who maintained close engagement with the large Indian expatriate community. He actively intervened in matters concerning the welfare of Indian residents, earning widespread respect and admiration.
Dr. Khan is expected to leave Riyadh by the end of July 2026 and return to the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
Looking Ahead: New Ambassador
Vipul, currently serving as India’s Ambassador to Qatar, has been appointed as the next Ambassador to Saudi Arabia. He is expected to assume charge in Riyadh by mid-August 2026.
A Lasting Legacy
The farewell event underscored the strong people-to-people ties between India and Saudi Arabia, with the Indian community playing a vital bridge in this relationship. As Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan departs, the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom carries forward the spirit of unity, cultural promotion, and contribution to bilateral friendship that he so deeply appreciated.
YaHind.Com extends its best wishes to Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan for his future endeavours and warmly welcomes the incoming Ambassador Vipul.
Source: K. N. Wasif
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