The depth of tie between India and Saudi Arabia dates back to the time immemorial. Both nations share a robust and long-standing partnership built on mutual respect, shared interests, and cultural ties. This partnership has been further strengthened by bilateral engagements aimed at fostering cooperation in diverse areas like Hajj pilgrimage management, trade, business, education, human resources, technology, interfaith dialogue etc.
Given the circumstances, the Indian Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs & Minority Affairs, Mr. Kiren Rijiju, embarked on a significant official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to attend the Hajj and Umrah Conference and sign the bilateral Hajj agreement for 2025. During this visit, the minister achieved various remarkable milestones that cherished a lasting reminiscence in the minds of the authorities, citizens & Indian diaspora.
Hon. Minister, Kiren Rijiju, arrived in Riyadh King Khalid Intl. Airport on Jan 11, 2025 afternoon and was warmly welcomed by the Indian Ambassador, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and others with a floral boutique as a plaque of respect & dignity. He has been on 4-days official tour in the KSA that ended on Tuesday. The minister’s visit recapped and highlighted the deep-rooted friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. The visit commenced with a focus on enhancing Hajj arrangements and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
Engagement with the Indian Diaspora
His overwhelmed zeal to engage with the Indian diaspora became evident as he attended the Indian Diaspora Interaction Program at once. The program was organized in the same evening by the Embassy of India at its auditorium in Riyadh.
After receiving the grand felicitation from the Indian diaspora, he addressed the audience applauding their contribution to the growth & development of the Kingdom, and also emphasized the strong ties & strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.
He said-“Saudi Arabia is not merely a habitat to 2.6 million Indian diaspora, but also a key partner in augmenting global stability & prosperity”.
“As a close ally of Saudi Arabia, it’s proud to say that India stood out as a center point of global power connected with almost every nation; unlike earlier, a sense of pride arose amongst the Indians as a positive paradigm is shown globally towards the Indians”, he added.
The event featured cultural performances by community children and coincided with the celebrations of Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas and World Hindi Diwas. He praised the students stage performance & talents. He distributed prizes to the best achievers of various talent programs held in the international schools in Riyadh.
Jeddah Visit & Participation at Hajj Conference & Exhibition
Main Event:
Mr. Rijiju participated in the opening ceremony of the fourth edition of Hajj Conference and Exhibition held on 13 Jan, 2025 in Jeddah. Prof. Abdulaziz Al-Wazzan, Deputy Minister for Umrah Affairs, along with other dignitaries received the minister and greeted with a warm reception upon his arrival in Jeddah
Key Highlight:
The exhibition focused on logistics, safety and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience. The initiative was lauded for its comprehensive approach to enriching this sacred journey for millions of pilgrims worldwide.
It’s a great privilege and honor that the Indian minister took part as one of the key stakeholders in the Conference-held under the patronage of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman that took place in Jeddah from 13–16 January, 2025. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah hosted the event emphasizing collaboration to enhance pilgrim services, improve more transparency and introduce innovative solutions.
The event gathered prominent participants from 87 countries including India, comprising government ministers, diplomats, academics, scholars and others fostering a global dialogue on enhancing Hajj and Umrah services. It reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to modernizing Hajj operations while preserving its spiritual significance.
Signing the Bilateral Hajj Agreement 2025
Main Event:
Mr. Rijiju met with Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister for Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, to finalize and sign the Hajj Agreement for 2025. The event served as a remarkable platform to sign the bilateral Hajj agreements. Both leaders emphasized their commitments to improving the services and facilities provided to pilgrims, ensuring a smooth and fulfilling Hajj experience.
Key Highlight:
India’s Hajj quota for 2025 has been set at 175,025 pilgrims by Saudi Arabia, and the Indian Minister sought an additional allocation of 10,000 slots for this year’s pilgrimage. It’s likely to be a fabulous milestone in the bilateral dialogue held with the Saudi Arabian government.
Meeting with Muslim World League Secretary-General
Indian Minister, Kiren Rijiju engaged in meaningful discussions with H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League. The conversation highlighted Dr. Al-Issa’s impactful visit to India, during which he championed the cause of interfaith harmony and global peace. Dr. Al-Issa commended India’s vibrant cultural heritage and its steadfast commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity. Both leaders reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening ties between nations and promoting understanding and mutual respect among faiths, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to build a more peaceful and unified world.
Visit to Jeddah Hajj Terminal
Main Event:
The visit to the Jeddah Hajj Terminal was conducted to assess the readiness and logistical arrangements for Hajj 2025. This included a review of facilities such as immigration processing, baggage handling systems, and transport coordination for Hajj pilgrims.
Key Highlight:
Minister Rijiju examined the logistical arrangements, emphasizing the importance of ensuring comfort and efficiency for the large number of Indian pilgrims expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia. The minister’s inspection also focused on ensuring smooth operations for the nearly 175,025 Indian pilgrims of this year’s Hajj. This visit is a part of broader efforts to streamline operations and address any challenges ahead of the pilgrimage season.
A Visit to the Holy City of Madinah & meeting with the Governor of the Region
Key Event:
Mr. Rijiju traveled to Madinah Al-Munawwarah, one of the holiest places, to inspect the arrangements for Indian pilgrims for Hajj 2025. He also gave visits to Quba Masjid & Qiblatain Masjid in the city.
Main Highlight:
The Minister reiterated India’s dedication to ensuring a spiritually fulfilling and seamless pilgrimage experience & maximum comforts for all pilgrims.
A high-level meeting was held by the minister with HRH. Saud bin Khalid Al Faisal, Deputy Governor of the Al Madinah Region. The discussions revolved around Hajj preparations and enhancing India-Saudi Arabia collaboration to provide a memorable and smooth experience for pilgrims.
The Indian minister’s meeting with H.H. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, was another milestone achieved during his visit. Both ministers explored ways to strengthen cooperation in the transport sector, ensuring safe and efficient movement for pilgrims during Hajj.
Strengthening Parliamentary and Cultural Ties
Another significant event that’s evident during his trip was his meeting with H.H. Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Snitan A. Al-Harbi, Member of the Shura Council and Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee. Bilateral dialogue was held between the two prominent leaders that focused on enhancing bilateral ties through student exchange programs, cultural exchanges, and tourism. Minister Rijiju extended an invitation to Saudi students to study in India and encouraged Saudis to explore India’s cultural diversity.
Visit to Diriyah – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited Diriyah-a historical place & UNESCO World Heritage Site-in Riyadh. Diriyah holds immense cultural importance as the birthplace of the Saudi state and the original home of the royal Al Saud family. The At-Turaif District within Diriyah, once the center of power for the Al Saud dynasty, showcases traditional Najdi architecture and is a key attraction. Mr. Rijiju expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by the Saudi hosts and appreciated the opportunity to witness this remarkable testament to the Kingdom’s heritage.
In conclusion, the Indian Minister for Parliamentary & Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju’s visit to Saudi Arabia marked a significant step toward deepening the multifaceted relationship between the two nations. From finalizing the Hajj Agreement to exploring avenues for cultural, educational, and economic collaboration, the visit showcased the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia to fostering peace, mutual understanding, and progress.
This visit will undoubtedly pave the way for stronger bilateral ties and a brighter future for both nations. If i say in the minister’s expression, this will certainly strengthen the people-to-people bond between our two great countries.
This is a special report by Dr P A Hameed Padubidri, a lawyer, freelance writer, social worker, legal advisor based in Riyadh. He may be reached at pahpadubidri@gmail.com
Comments
Dear Ashraf 39#,
You mean to say Congress is secular who allowed to demolish Babri Masjid, who allowed and let free Modi for Gujarat Massacre? Congress using muslim vote, never give tickets to Muslim candidate where he can win, Congress play with Sachar committee by not implementing. Lacs of Muslim youths were charged and detained terrorism by fabricated case during Congress rule.
Finally AK Antony gave report that Congress has lost due to more favourism to Muslims.
Who is secular.. could you please look at history he joined hands with BJP for getting CM and he was CM for 2 and Half years and he had compromise with BJP . now u guys feeling so honoured & great that you have achieved milestone after meeting him.. please be not in wrong impression after meeting he will do some favour for muslims.. we have only one trust and belief in ALLAH.. thats all.. and please SDPI dont play dirty Politics in the name of religion...SPARE US
Future ruling party of India..sdpi
MASHA ALLAH... GOOD WORK
MASH ALLAH, Keep It Up....
Masha Allah. .
Jai SDPI..
Well done keep it up
Masha Allah good job
Good job
Masha Allah. Well done. Will hope asap we will get NRI voting rights. Thanks to SDPI
The so called secular HDK once labelled madrasa is the breeding place for terrorism. JD(S) is responsible for the growth of BJP in Karnataka. Mustak you are right SDPI wasting their time,energy and money to honoring this type of leaders.
Good to see Gajni (HDK) of Karnataka forget the meaning of secular whenever is in Power
Guys first teach him the meaning of ???????? and expect anything from him
Y you guys wasting time to honour him
Use the same time to strengthen your Party
Good to see Gajni part 2(HDK) with secular people
Guys should have taught him the meaning of Secular
Coz when he was in power he forgot that.
Don't expect anything from him.
Ver Good move ....JDS will benefit from this for sure....but also other side , DALITS , OBC ,christians and Muslims will be benefitted by SDPI who is emerging as hopeful party with real approach towards people oriented administration despite BJPs Media conspiracy .
Great Move ....secular parties should learn from this ......as HDK accepted that it was mistake to join BJP
Well done guys keep it up
All secular parties must unite to defeat BJP and Sangh which is like mosquito's life depends on other's blood.......
Mashaallha keep it up
Now a days it is very difficult to find a good politicians. Most of the politicians are opportunists and chameleon character. They are playing vote bank politics with fake promises to appease the voters.
Noble cause meet with HDK by SDPI delegates and their purpose of meet was very clear raising voice for \minorities especially Muslims in upcoming annual budget\" NRK cards etc.. this is very important matter for muslims to influence former CM while they are in Assembly session to pointed out above matter.
SDPI always works for Muslim rights.
Well done Team"
The Muslim community has been deprived of all facilities being the largest minority community in Karnataka. Justice Rajender Singh in his report has thrown light into the pathetic living conditions of the Muslim community.
Well done keep it up...
Welldone!
Mash Allah,
All Should Support SDPI. Good Move
Welldone guys. Good move
All the citizens should join hands with SDPI in their effort and strengthen this struggle to attain rights of minorities and deprived community.
Appreciation to SDPI Delegate for your effort and thanks to HDK for sparing valuable time also thanks to CD for publishing this news article.
GOOD MOVE
masha allha welldone guys good job
appreciated the initiative taken by the SDPI party .
Ma sha Allah its a great move ...keep it up brothers....
It was great pleasure to meet Mr HDK.
Good
Good move.keep it up
Well done. Keep up the good work.
Well done keep it up...
Well done keep it up....
Well done keep it up...
Masha allah good move. . . . .hope government will allocate sufficient fund for minorities in the coming budget.
Masha allah good move ...hope government will allocate sufficient fund for minorities in the coming budget.
Welldone brothers appreciated... good work
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