India, Saudi formalise Hajj agreement for 2024

New Delhi, Jan 7: In a significant diplomatic move, India and Saudi Arabia have formalised the bilateral Hajj agreement for the year 2024.

The agreement was officially signed by the Indian delegation led by Minister of Minority Affairs Smriti Irani and Joint Secretary Minority Affairs Nirupama Kotru, a Kashmiri Pandit, during their visit to Saudi Arabia.

Accompanying Irani, Kotru played a crucial role in facilitating the signing of the agreement, reinforcing the commitment to a strong bilateral relationship between the two nations.

“I, along with Hon’ble MoS for External Affairs, Shri @MOS_MEA, presided over the signing,” said Ms Irani, in a post on X.

“During their visit, the Indian delegation engaged in productive discussions with Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs,” Irani said. “The talks covered various matters of mutual interest, highlighting the commitment of both nations to strengthen diplomatic ties.”

The Saudi delegation expressed sincere appreciation for India’s exemplary digital initiatives, particularly in providing essential last-mile information to Hajj pilgrims.

The Indian proposal to encourage the participation of women without Mehram in the Hajj pilgrimage was also discussed, emphasising India’s commitment to inclusivity and gender equality.

Discussions further encompassed plans for enhancing medical facilities to ensure the comprehensive well-being of all pilgrims.

“I deeply value the collaborative spirit exhibited during these deliberations and eagerly anticipate the continued fortification of our bilateral relations,” Irani said.

Earlier, Irani arrived in Jeddah on a two-day visit.

Irani was received at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Suhel Khan, Consul General Muhammad Shahid, and officials from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Accompanying her was V Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs.

The delegation also aims to connect with the Indian business community and the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, fostering stronger ties between the two nations.

On Monday, Irani is expected to attend the opening ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the ‘Hajj and Umrah Conference’ in Jeddah, organised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs.

Irani and Muraleedharan also met with President of Directorate of Religious Affairs in Türkiye, Ali Erbas and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) with Dato’ Setia Na’im bin Mokhtar in two separate meetings on the sidelines of the signing of the bilateral Hajj agreement 2024.