India and Saudi Arabia have signed a deal for the forthcoming Haj pilgrimage in 2024. The bilateral agreement, signed in Jeddah, designates New Delhi with a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims. The accord was formalized by India's Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, alongside Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan.

The official statement confirms that India's total quota for Haj 2024 will accommodate 1,75,025 pilgrims. Out of this, 1,40,020 seats are reserved for pilgrims through the Haj Committee, while 35,005 pilgrims will be allowed to proceed through private operators.

Smriti Irani expressed satisfaction over finalizing the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 and engaging in fruitful discussions with Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Affairs, Tawfiq bin Fawzan. She highlighted Saudi Arabia's acknowledgment of India's digital initiatives aiding pilgrims and emphasized India's proposal to encourage women's participation in the Haj pilgrimage without a male guardian (Mehram), highlighting India's commitment to inclusivity.

The talks also involved plans to bolster medical facilities for comprehensive pilgrim well-being. Irani praised the collaborative spirit during the discussions and looked forward to strengthening bilateral relations.

Acknowledging India's digital initiatives, Saudi Arabia offered support for Haj pilgrims, particularly praising India's encouragement of women's participation without a male guardian.

Irani and Muraleedharan inspected arrangements at King Abdulaziz International Airport's Haj Terminal in Jeddah, seeking ways to improve logistics and monitoring for pilgrims' convenience.

They also held separate meetings with officials from Turkey's Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) and the Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Islamic Affairs) to discuss shared growth opportunities and the adoption of best practices in Haj management.

The discussions focused on sharing experiences in Haj management, digital initiatives for service delivery, robust medical facilities, and measures for facilitating women pilgrims.

The parties resolved to explore further collaboration to ensure Haj pilgrims benefit from the adoption of best practices.

During her two-day visit, Irani will also engage with the Indian business community and diaspora in Saudi Arabia, attending the opening ceremony of the 'Haj and Umrah Conference' organized by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah Affairs.

This visit signifies the deepening strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, with Haj playing a pivotal role in strengthening their relationship.

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