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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Punjab Police cops withdrawn from Kejriwal's security
Chandigarh, Jan 23 (PTI): Punjab Police personnel deployed in the security of Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal have been withdrawn, the state police chief said on Thursday.
"Time to time, we get reports of threats to chief minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal and we share them with the concerned agencies.
"Following the directions of the Delhi police and the Election Commission today, we withdrew the component of the Punjab police in the security of Kejriwal ji," Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav told reporters in Patiala.
"We showed our concerns to them. We will remain in touch with them. We will share our inputs with the Delhi police," he said.
The development comes ahead of the elections for the 70-member Delhi Assembly on February 5. The poll results are set to be declared on February 8.
