India And Saudi Arabia Ink Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 In Jeddah

India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 in Jeddah on 7 January 2024. Union Minister Smriti Zubin Irani signed the agreement with the Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Affairs, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, in Jeddah. Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan was also present on the occasion.

• Both countries have signed it, further strengthening their relations and giving priority to the well-being of the pilgrims.
• Union Minister of Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti Zubin Irani is in Saudi Arabia on a two-day (7 to 8 January 2024) visit.
• A delegation is also on the visit along with Union Minister Irani. The delegation also plans to engage and foster deeper ties with the Indian expatriate and business community in Saudi Arabia.

Importance of Agreement:

• This agreement highlights India's commitment towards inclusivity because it discusses ways to encourage women's participation in Haj without a male guardian (Mehram).
• India's initiative towards encouraging participation under the Ladies Without Mehram (LWM) category was highly appreciated.
• This is an important step towards seamless pilgrimage experiences for Indian Muslim pilgrims.
• It also promotes inclusivity and mutual respect between the two countries.

Saudi delegation praised India:

• The Saudi delegation appreciated India's digital initiatives, especially those addressing the last-minute information needs of pilgrims.
• Both countries recognized the importance of enhanced medical facilities for the broader welfare of the pilgrims.

Third Hajj and Umrah Conference:

• Union Minister Irani will attend the opening ceremony of the 3rd Haj and Umrah Conference in Jeddah on 8 January 2024.

How many Indian pilgrims will perform Hajj in 2024?

• A total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India has been fixed for Haj in 2024. In this, 1,40,020 seats have been reserved through the Haj Committee of India. Whereas 35,005 pilgrims will be allowed through Haj group operators.