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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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
