Admin
15 January 2025
The Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijju, visited Saudi Arabia from 11 January 2025 to 14 January 2025. The visit entailed important engagements regarding preparations for the forthcoming Haj pilgrimage.
This included signing the Bilateral Agreement for Haj 2025, attending the inaugural session of the Hajj &Umrah Conference and Exhibition, and bilateral meetings with Saudi dignitaries. During the visit, the Union Minister also reviewed the arrangements being made for the Indian Haj pilgrims at Jeddah and Madinah.
The Bilateral Agreement for Haj-2025, defining the broad contours of the Haj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims, was signed between the Minister and the Saudi Minister of Hajj &Umrah, H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan AlRabiah, on 13 January 2025 at Jeddah. As per this agreement, a quota of 1,75,025 has been earmarked for India.
The Union Minister attended the inaugural session of the 4th edition of the Hajj &Umrah Conference and Exhibition organised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj &Umrah at Jeddah. This international conference is organised annually and includes sessions and workshops by key decision makers, experts and researchers in the Haj &Umrah services sector and offers insights on the best practices and facilitates exchange of ideas and information.
The Minister met the Saudi Minister of Hajj &Umrah H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah and discussed the preparations for Haj-2025 and agreed to further strengthen mutual cooperation in order to ensure a safe, comfortable and fulfilling experience for the Indian Haj pilgrims.
The Minister also met H.E. Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al Jassar, the Saudi Minister for Transport & Logistic Services at Riyadh and discussed avenues for further streamlining the transport and logistic services for the Indian Haj pilgrims.
The Minister had a bilateral meeting with HRH Prince Saud bin Khalid bin Faisal Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Madinah Province. During the meeting, they discussed arrangements for the Indian Haj pilgrims during their stay in Madinah.
During his visit, the Minister undertook a comprehensive review of the arrangements for the Indian Haj pilgrims including transport arrangements, the administrative setup, and healthcare facilities. At Madinah, he visited the Indian Haj Pilgrims’ Office. He also visited the Haj Terminals of the Jeddah and Madinah airports and reviewed the facilities available for the arrival and departure of pilgrims and baggage handling.
India and Saudi Arabia share a strategic partnership rooted in deep historical and civilizational linkages. The Haj pilgrimage is an important aspect of bilateral relations and strong people-to-people ties between the two countries. The visit of the Minister to Saudi Arabia marks an important milestone in the growing relationship and reflects the commitment of both nations to further deepening our ties.
