Khan, an assistant section officer in the Secretariat’s finance department, embarked on the mission on 4 June, arriving in the US on 6 June, and commencing the Denali ascent on 10 June. The expedition gained traction on social media and via political intervention after Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar posted Khan’s desperate message. MP Anto Antony appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, providing satellite contact details, while Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar urged the state’s chief minister to act swiftly for rescue support.
The SOS message from Camp 5 conveyed the urgency: “Less food and water to survive... only God can help us now. Please ask all to pray.” This distress note prompted rapid diplomatic engagement, with the Indian Embassy in Washington coordinating closely with US National Park Service officials and Denali rangers.
Khan is no stranger to high-altitude challenges. His credentials include summiting Mount Everest in 2022, Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, Mount Vinson in Antarctica, and Denali itself in June 2023. On that earlier climb, he described Denali as “a beautiful mountain, but Everest is a mighty one”.
The current mission held symbolic significance. Khan aimed to unfurl a banner at the summit, honouring India’s Operation Sindoor—a tribute to armed forces efforts. The endeavour resonated with national sentiment and drew rapid political attention. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking urgent diplomacy; similarly, MP Shashi Tharoor highlighted the climber’s “precarious and life‑threatening” circumstances, urging swift coordination.
On 19 June, US crews managed to locate Khan and his teammate at roughly 17,000 ft. They were reported to be in stable condition, suffering no serious injuries, and able to descend under ranger guidance from Camp 5 toward base camp. Search and rescue teams remained on standby, advising the climbers via radio and satellite, ready to assist if needed.
International coordination between the Indian mission and US authorities proved decisive. The Embassy facilitated key contacts, while US National Park Service and Alaska ranger units executed the high‑altitude extraction. George Mathew, a friend and former colleague, stated that both men “have been rescued and are safe. There are no serious health concerns.” He recalled their ordeal as harrowing, with dwindling supplies and relentless blizzard conditions.
Denali, North America’s tallest peak, is notorious for unpredictable and extreme weather. More than 120 fatalities have occurred since 1932, underscoring the volatile nature of its environment. Climbers face high winds, sudden whiteouts, and subzero temperatures, particularly between Camp 4 and Camp 5—the section where Khan was trapped.
The rescue caps a perilous chapter but marks a triumph for diplomatic outreach, international collaboration, and the resilience of climbers. Khan’s expedition underscores the growing trend of Indian mountaineers targeting global high‑altitude peaks to make statements of national pride. His broader quest—to scale the highest peak on each continent—continues, supported by a five‑year leave from his government role since 2023.
While Khan’s banner mission remains unfulfilled, his safe descent carries its own symbolic weight. The operation exemplifies how modern rescue efforts weave together national aspirations, diplomatic channels, and skilled high‑altitude teams. It also spotlights the increasing ambition among Indian climbers, blending personal achievement with messages of national significance.
The unfolding events prompted widespread concern across India, galvanising support from politicians, fellow climbers, and well‑wishers. Social media messages poured in, emphasising collective hopes: “Stay safe” became a common refrain. The successful outcome reflects the power of coordinated action, technology‑enabled distress signalling, and international cooperation when lives hang in the balance.