Smriti Irani Interacts With Indian Umrah Pilgrims During Her Visit To Saudi Arabia
The session provided valuable insights on the best global practices and facilitated the exchange of ideas and information which would prove useful in improving the Haj experience for Indian pilgrims, a statement from the Ministry of Minority Affairs said.
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.
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¡ª Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 9, 2024
Grateful for the gracious invitation extended by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs @HajMinistry,¡ pic.twitter.com/tBUto6YuQz
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.
Undertook a historic journey to Madinah today, one of Islam's holiest cities included a visit to the periphery of the revered Prophet's Mosque, Al Masjid Al Nabwi, the mountain of Uhud, and periphery of the Quba Mosque ¨C the first Mosque of Islam. The significance of the visit to¡ pic.twitter.com/WgbUJeJTLv
¡ª Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 8, 2024
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
News Editor with Indiatimes. He writes on National Affairs and the Middle East.
