India and Saudi Arabia Agree on Increased 1.75 Lakh Hajj Quota for 2024

In a significant development, India and Saudi Arabia have formalized their collaboration by signing a bilateral agreement that designates a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for the annual Hajj pilgrimage in 2024. The agreement, signed by Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan, signifies the commitment to inclusivity, with special emphasis on encouraging the participation of women without a Mehram.

According to the official statement, the finalized quota for Hajj 2024 from India comprises 1,40,020 seats reserved for pilgrims through the Hajj Committee and 35,005 seats for pilgrims through private operators. The formalization of the Bilateral Hajj Agreement 2024 reflects the deepening Indo-Saudi ties, reinforcing strategic partnerships across various sectors.

Smriti Irani, sharing the news, expressed her pleasure at the formalization of the agreement and highlighted the productive discussions with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Affairs, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan. The Saudi delegation acknowledged and appreciated India’s digital initiatives, particularly in providing crucial last-mile information to pilgrims. Irani also conveyed India’s proposal to encourage women’s participation without a Mehram, reinforcing the commitment to inclusivity.

Discussions during the meeting covered plans for enhancing medical facilities and ensuring the comprehensive well-being of all pilgrims. The collaborative spirit exhibited during these deliberations was valued, anticipating the continued fortification of bilateral relations.

The Saudi side greatly appreciated India’s digital initiatives, offering to extend all possible help. Discussions also included the initiative of the Indian government to encourage participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category, which was deeply appreciated.

Following the signing of the agreement, Irani and Muraleedharan visited the Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. The visit aimed to oversee arrangements for pilgrims and explore ways to facilitate better logistics and monitoring mechanisms for their convenience.

In addition to the bilateral agreement, productive discussions were held with Prof. Dr. Ali Erbaş, President of the Directorate of Religious Affairs (Diyanet) in Türkiye, exploring avenues for shared growth and stronger India-Türkiye bilateral ties. Insights were exchanged on Hajj management and the adoption of best practices for an enhanced pilgrimage experience.

Experiences on Hajj management and administration were shared during meetings with counterparts, with an exchange of ideas on best practices. The scope for digital initiatives, seamless service delivery, setting up robust and reliable medical facilities for pilgrims, and measures for the care and facilitation of women pilgrims were particularly discussed.

The visit of Smriti Irani to Saudi Arabia, arriving on a two-day trip, underlines the deepening partnership between the two nations. Serving as the Union Minister for Women & Child Development, Irani is set to meet the Indian business community and Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. The trip includes attendance at the opening ceremony of the 3rd Edition of the ‘Hajj and Umrah Conference’ in Jeddah, organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah Affairs.

The Indo-Saudi partnership, evolving across various sectors, is poised for further strengthening with Hajj playing a vital dimension in this robust relationship. The strategic collaboration reflects shared values and goals, fostering mutual growth and cooperation.