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PM Modi promises improved pilgrimage experiences for Hajj pilgrims

The agreement defining the broad contours of the Hajj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims was signed between Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah in Jeddah, earlier in the day
01:34 AM Jan 14, 2025 IST | IANS
PM Modi promises improved pilgrimage experiences for Hajj pilgrims
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New Delhi, Jan 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday welcomed the India-Saudi Arabia bilateral agreement for Hajj-2025, asserting that the government led by him remains committed to ensuring improved pilgrimage experiences for the devotees.

The agreement defining the broad contours of the Hajj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims was signed between Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah in Jeddah, earlier in the day.

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During the bilateral meeting, a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India for Hajj 2025 was finalised as both sides discussed this year’s preparations and agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation in order to ensure a safe, convenient and fulfilling Haj experience for the Indian pilgrims.

“I welcome this agreement, which is wonderful news for Hajj pilgrims from India. Our Government is committed to ensuring improved pilgrimage experiences for devotees,” PM Modi posted on X.

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Rijiju also met Sheikh Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, appreciating his efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and peace while also recalling his visit to India, in July 2023. The minister mentioned that the Al Issa expressed his deep regard for India's rich cultural heritage and diversity. Earlier, the Minority Affairs Minister visited the Jeddah Hajj Terminal to review the arrangements and preparations for Haj 2025.

"For the comfort and convenience of the Hajj pilgrims, we've started the preparations for Hajj 2025 in record advance time. I am grateful to the Saudi Arabian authorities for their cooperation and support. We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our Hajj pilgrims. Large numbers of Indian pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj pilgrimage will be provided full support and let them have a smooth and comfortable experience," Rijiju assured.

The government led by Prime Minister Modi has been making efforts over the last few years to make the Hajj pilgrimage a transparent, uniform, cost-efficient, safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for the pilgrims.

The Indian Hajj Mission - the biggest operation of its kind handled by the government of India outside the Indian borders - has closely coordinated logistics with the concerned Saudi authorities to make the new initiative a success.

Last year, the Indian government made extensive arrangements to provide assistance to over 175,000 pilgrims from India who had converged on the sacred Mount Arafat outside Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Hajj Mission, along with the Saudi Hajj Ministry, made all the arrangements to move the pilgrims from Mina to Arafat, including their stay in Arafat and their return.

India had received a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Hajj 2024 with 1,40,020 seats reserved for pilgrims to proceed through the Hajj Committee of India, and 35,005 pilgrims permitted to proceed through Hajj group operators.

In a historic first, Indian Hajj pilgrims arrived at the Jeddah airport and travelled to Mecca by the High-Speed Haramain Train instead of buses.

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