The Hon’ble Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from 11th January, 2025 to 14th January, 2025. The visit entailed important engagements pertaining to the preparations for the forthcoming Haj pilgrimage. This included the signing of 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 Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble Minister and the Saudi Minister of Hajj & Umrah H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah on 13th January, 2025 at Jeddah, as per which a quota of 1,75,025 has been earmarked for India.
The Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble 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 Hon’ble 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, Hon’ble Minister undertook 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 arrival and departure of pilgrims and baggage handling.
India and Saudi Arabia share a strategic partnership rooted in deep historical and civilisational linkages. Haj pilgrimage is an important aspect of bilateral relations and strong people to people ties between the two countries. The visit of the Hon’ble Minister to Saudi Arabia marks an important milestone in the growing relationship and reflects the commitment of both nations for further deepening our ties.
