India Talks With Saudi Over Stranded Driver
The Ministry of External Affairs has given an official update about Indramani Nautiyal, an Indian truck driver from Uttarakhand who is stranded in Saudi Arabia. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that the Indian Embassy is talking with Saudi authorities to check his legal status and details.
- MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirms Indian Embassy contact with Saudi authorities
- Indramani Nautiyal went to Saudi Arabia in 2018 to work as a truck driver
- Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote a letter to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Driver Stuck After Accident
Nautiyal is from Gausada village in the Jaunpur region. He went to Saudi Arabia in 2018 for a job as a truck driver with the Riyadh-based Pick Roads and Contracting Company. In the same year, his vehicle met with a serious road accident while he was on duty, which led to a long legal process. According to information from the Uttarakhand government, Nautiyal got a sentence of one year in prison. Also, a financial penalty of 900,000 Saudi Riyals, which is about 22.9 million Indian Rupees, was put on the company owner because of problems with vehicle insurance and registration.
Government Action and Support
In August 2026, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami wrote to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. He asked for quick help to give legal and financial support and to make sure Nautiyal returns safely to India. Even though family and local groups asked for help, the MEA stated that it is collecting verified information about his exact legal standing, personal debts, and the legal steps needed to send him home. The government said that it is very important to tell the difference between old claims and current legal facts.
Help for Families
This case shows the difficult problems that Indian workers face in Gulf nations when road accidents happen with complicated issues of criminal blame, insurance, registration, and civil money payments. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has a 24-hour helpline at +966-11-4884697. They also have a WhatsApp support line at +966-542126748, a toll-free number at 8002471234, and a special number for jail help at +966-11-4816348. Families can also send complaints through the MADAD portal by giving details like passport number, Iqama, employer info, and court case numbers.