SAUDI ARABIA (Diya TV) — Indian Union Minister Smriti Irani spearheaded the first-ever non-Muslim Indian delegation to Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia. The visit included a tour of Masjid-e-Nabwi and Prophet Muhammad’s tomb. Irani, accompanied by Minister of State V Muraleedharan and officials from Minority Affairs and External Affairs ministries, engaged with Indian volunteers aiding Haj and Umrah pilgrims, further strengthening cultural ties.
During her visit, Irani expressed gratitude for the historic journey, stating, “The significance of the visit to these sites courtesy Saudi officials, intertwined with early Islamic history, underscores the depth of our cultural and spiritual engagement.” The unprecedented delegation, comprising two non-Muslim Indian women without headgear, highlights the evolving dynamics of India-Saudi bilateral relations.
This diplomatic mission also resulted in the signing of a bilateral agreement on January 7, securing a Haj quota of 175,025 pilgrims for India in 2024. The agreement reflects the commitment to enhancing facilities for Indian Muslims undertaking the Haj pilgrimage. Irani’s interaction with pilgrims and Saudi officials is seen as a positive step in fostering improved India-Saudi relations.
The visit to Madinah, part of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s reforms, signals a relaxation of restrictions on non-Muslims visiting the holy city. BJP leader Haider Azam emphasized the positive impact of Irani’s visit on diplomatic ties, stating, “This will go a long way to further improve India-Saudi relationship.”
