RIYADH – Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju said that the arrangements for Hajj 2025 for Indian pilgrims will be made at the highest level. He is currently on a visit to Saudi Arabia to finalize the agreements made in connection with Hajj arrangements. It should be noted that the fourth Hajj Conference is underway in Jeddah from January 13 to 16. In this regard, ministers and ambassadors, high-ranking officials etc. from various countries of the world, including India, are participating in the conference.
Taking advantage of Kiren Rijiju’s visit to Riyadh, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh organized a reception in his honor.
Rijiju said that 2.6 million Indians are living in the kingdom in the field of employment. Their presence here in such a large number is not only a source of livelihood for these NRIs but also an important part of strengthening Indo-Saudi relations. Rijiju also said that the Riyadh Embassy is the only embassy in the world where 600 to 800 passports are issued every day.
Rijiju said that he was happy to know that many Indians here also perform voluntary social services along with their various employment activities. He said that the services of these social workers are also recognized by the Government of India, the latest example of which is Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed receiving the “Pravasi Bharatiya Samman” award. He also praised the services of the All India Steering Committee.
At the beginning, Indian Ambassador Dr. Sohail Ijaz Khan, in his welcome remarks, said that the Riyadh Embassy, apart from its official responsibilities, organizes various programs with the help of the Steering Committee to preserve and promote its civilization and culture away from home. He also said that the relations between the two countries are strengthening with the mutual cooperation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
A large number of Indian men and women attended the reception held in honour of Kiren Rijiju at the Embassy Auditorium. Diplomat Dinesh Sethia conducted the function.
