PM Modi Guarantees Enhanced Pilgrimage Experiences for Haj Participants

New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his support for the India-Saudi Arabia agreement regarding Haj-2025, highlighting that his administration is committed to delivering enhanced pilgrimage experiences for Haj devotees.

The agreement, which outlines the framework for the Haj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims, was signed in Jeddah by Kiren Rijiju, Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, alongside the Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.

During their discussions, both parties agreed on a quota of 175,025 Indian pilgrims for Haj 2025, while also reviewing this year's preparations and committing to strengthen cooperation to ensure a safe and fulfilling experience for Indian pilgrims.

"I welcome this agreement, which is fantastic news for Haj pilgrims from India. Our Government is dedicated to ensuring enhanced pilgrimage experiences for devotees," PM Modi shared on X.

Rijiju also met with Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, commending his initiatives to foster interfaith dialogue and peace, and recalling his visit to India in July 2023. The minister noted that Dr. Al-Issa expressed his admiration for India's rich cultural heritage and diversity.

Earlier, the Minority Affairs Minister inspected the Jeddah Haj Terminal to evaluate the arrangements and preparations for Haj 2025.

"To ensure the comfort and convenience of Haj pilgrims, we have initiated the preparations for Haj 2025 well in advance. I appreciate the cooperation and support from the Saudi authorities. We are committed to providing the best possible services to all our Haj pilgrims, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience for the large number of Indian pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia for the Haj pilgrimage," Rijiju assured.

The government, under Prime Minister Modi, has been striving over the past few years to make the Haj pilgrimage a transparent, efficient, safe, and spiritually rewarding experience for the pilgrims.

The Indian Haj Mission, recognized as the largest operation of its kind managed by the Indian government beyond its borders, has worked closely with the relevant Saudi authorities to ensure the success of this new initiative.

Last year, extensive arrangements were made by the Indian government to assist over 175,000 pilgrims who gathered at the sacred Mount Arafat near Mecca.

In coordination with the Saudi Haj Ministry, the Indian Haj Mission organized all logistics for the movement of pilgrims from Mina to Arafat, including their accommodation and return.

For Haj 2024, India was allocated a total quota of 175,025 pilgrims, with 140,020 seats designated for pilgrims traveling through the Haj Committee of India, and 35,005 pilgrims allowed to journey with Haj group operators.

In a historic first, Indian Haj pilgrims arrived at Jeddah airport and traveled to Mecca via the High-Speed Haramain Train instead of by bus.