Smriti Irani Interacts With Indian Umrah Pilgrims During Her Visit To Saudi Arabia

In a bid to ensure improved facilities and services for thousands of Indian Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims, Union?Minister for Minority Affairs?Smriti?Irani,?attended the inaugural session of the third Haj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah today.

According to reports, the minister discussed the related issues with Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Minister of Haj and Umrah.?

"Grateful for the gracious invitation extended by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah Affairs @HajMinistry, underscoring the significance of our shared values. Had an insightful meeting with H.R.H. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region, and H.E. @tfrabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah, KSA. Discussed enhancing facilities and services for Indian Haj pilgrims during Haj 2024,"?Irani?said in a post on X

She was accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan.

Visit to one of Islam's holiest cities

Irani?also travelled to Madinah city - one of Islam's holiest cities - on Monday. She shared a collage of pictures on her twitter handle. She could be seen around the most holiest sites of Islam.?

During the session,? valuable insights on the best global practices and facilitated the exchange of ideas and information were shared. This would prove useful in improving the Haj experience for Indian pilgrims, a statement from the Ministry of Minority Affairs said.

"Discussion also held with Deputy Governor of Makkah Region and Minister of Haj and Umrah, KSA, on the scope for further close cooperation to improve facilities and services for Indian pilgrims during Haj 2024."?

India and Saudi Arabia share warm and cordial ties and the Government of India deeply appreciates the special gesture of Saudi's Ministry of Haj and Umrah in facilitating this visit of the Indian delegation to Madinah, the statement added.

On Sunday, India and Saudi Arabia signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 under which New Delhi has been allocated a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for the annual Haj pilgrimage in 2024.

With inputs from PTI