Edited by Deepali Verma
Bharat and Saudi Arabia have signed a bilateral agreement which makes New Delhi eligible for a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for the annual Haj pilgrimage in 2024. Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani in the company of Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan in Jeddah.
As per an official statement, a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from Bharat has been sanctioned for Haj 2024 with 1,40,020 seats being reserved for pilgrims that will proceed through Haj Committee whereas 35,005 pilgrims would be allowed to proceed through private operators.
“The formalisation of the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 has been confirmed between Bharat and Saudi Arabia. I, and Hon’ble MoS for External Affairs, Shri @MOS_MEA, presided over the signing, while further engaging in productive discussions on matters of mutual interest with @tfrabiah, Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Affairs,” Smriti Irani’s post read on X.
She informed that the Saudi delegation showed sincere appreciation for Bharat’s exceptional digital initiatives, especially in providing essential last-mile information to pilgrims. “The aim of our proposal to promote the participation of women without Mehram in the Haj pilgrimage further displays our commitment to inclusivity,” she added.
Discussions also overlooked the areas concerned with the enhancement of medical facilities, ensuring the comprehensive well-being of all pilgrims, she said. “The collaborative spirit exhibited during these deliberations are of high value to me and I eagerly anticipate the continued fortification of our bilateral relations.”
Over the course of the meeting, Bharat’s digital initiatives in facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for the Haj pilgrims were greatly lauded by the Saudi side and the Gulf Kingdom offered to extend all possible help, the statement released.
“The Government of India’s initiative to encourage participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded,” it added.
Ms. Irani and Mr. Muraleedharan later paid a visit to the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to check the arrangements for pilgrims and explore ways to ensure better logistics and monitoring mechanisms for their convenience.
They additionally connected with Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in Türkiye and Dr. Hj. Na’im bin Hj. Mokhtar, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Islamic Affairs) separately on the sidelines relating to the signing of the bilateral.
“Productive and effective discussions today with Prof. @DIBAliErbas, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), Türkiye. Explored avenues for collaborative growth and stronger India-Türkiye bilateral ties, while discussing the insights on Haj management and incorporating best practices for enhanced pilgrimage experience,” the Union Minister said in a different post.
The meetings held discussion on the experiences on Haj management and administration and there was an exchange of ideas on best practices with the respective counterparts. The key topics involved the scope for digital initiatives for unhindered delivery of services, setting up and enhancement of robust and reliable medical facilities for the pilgrims, and measures taken especially to look for the care and facilitation of the women pilgrims were particularly discussed.
Irani arrived on a two-day visit where she was received at Jeddah Airport by Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan, Consul General Mohd Shahid along with the officials of the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah.
Ms. Irani, also the Union Minister for Women and Child Development, will also meet the Bharatiya business community and Bharatiya diaspora in Saudi Arabia.
She will attend the opening ceremony of the third edition of ‘Haj and Umrah Conference’ on January 8 held in Jeddah being organised by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah Affairs.
The Indo-Saudi partnership has both strengthened and deepened in recent years, marked by sustained engagement across various sectors. The visit will further cement the strategic partnership placing Haj as a vital dimension in this relationship, the statement said.
