Saudi Arabia, India sign 2025 Hajj agreement in Jeddah
Jeddah: Saudi Arabia and India have signed the 2025 Hajj agreement in Jeddah, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations and religious cooperation.
The agreement was signed by Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq F. Al-Rabiah, and India’s Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju. Key figures present at the ceremony included the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, and the Consul General of India in Jeddah, Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri.
As part of the agreement, Saudi Arabia has allocated a quota of 175,025 pilgrims from India for the 2025 Hajj season. The Hajj Committee of India will manage 70% of the slots, while 30% (approximately 52,507 slots) will be distributed through private Hajj Group Organizers, in accordance with India’s Hajj Policy 2025.
The agreement focuses on enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience for Indian Hajjis by improving services, expanding facilities, and streamlining logistical arrangements.
Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed India’s commitment to providing a better experience for the pilgrims. “Our government is dedicated to ensuring an improved and hassle-free pilgrimage experience for all our Hajjis,” he said, thanking Saudi authorities for their cooperation.
During the visit, Minister Rijiju met Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, to discuss interfaith dialogue and global peace initiatives. He also visited the Jeddah Hajj Terminal to review the preparations for Hajj 2025, highlighting the importance of ensuring smooth arrangements for the pilgrims.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the agreement, calling it “wonderful news” for Indian Hajjis. In a post on X, he reiterated the government’s commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for devotees.
(Inputs from Dr. & Adv. P.A. Hameed Padubidri, Riyadh)
Picture showing that Kiren Rijiju met Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary General of World Muslim League.
Indian Minister for Parliamentary & Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju & Dr. Tawfiq F. Al-Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj & Umrah.
Kiren Rijiju visited at Jeddah Hajj Terminal
Kiren Rijiju is taking a round in a golf cart in the Jeddah Hajj Terminal.
This is picture showing a formal ceremony where a memento is being presented to Minister Kiren Rijiju by HE. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa.
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Case registered against associate film director for sexual assault of model in Kochi
Kochi (PTI): Police on Saturday said they had registered a case against an associate director in the film industry for "sexually assaulting" a model here.
The case was registered against Jojo Kurishinkal of Chengannur in Alappuzha district at the Maradu police station on May 6.
Kurishinkal has worked in several films as an assistant and associate director.
According to the FIR, the complainant, a model based in Kochi, met Kurishinkal through a dating app in July 2023.
The FIR stated that the accused told the complainant he was a film director and had separated from his wife before proposing marriage to her.
He later allegedly assured the complainant and her mother that he would go ahead with the marriage once the legal procedures related to his divorce were completed, the FIR said.
According to the FIR, the accused later invited the complainant to his apartment in Vyttila on April 18, 2024, where he "sexually assaulted" her.
The FIR further alleged that he continued to sexually harass the woman thereafter. It also stated that the accused had "physically assaulted" the complainant on multiple occasions before later refusing to marry her.
Based on the complaint, police registered a case under Section 376(2)(n) of the Indian Penal Code for repeatedly raping the same woman.
Police said the woman’s confidential statement would be recorded, following which the accused would be summoned for questioning.
