After Modi welcomes Haj agreement, Saudi Arabia says ‘honoured to strengthen sacred partnership’ with India

Saudi Arabia on Thursday said it was “honoured to strengthen sacred partnership” with India following finalisation of the Haj agreement for this year between the two countries.

Both the countries have finalised the agreement, under which 1,75,025 Muslim pilgrims from India would be going for the holy pilgrimage called ‘Haj’ this year. The agreement was signed between Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah recently.

The bilateral agreement between the two countries for Haj-2025 defines the broad contours of the pilgrimage for Indian devotees as per which a quota of 1,75,025 has been earmarked for India.

Today, welcoming the agreement Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “I welcome this agreement, which is a wonderful news for Hajj pilgrims from India. Our government is committed to ensuring improved pilgrimage experiences for the devotees.”

In his reaction, Saudi Arabia’s minister Al-Rabiah thanked Modi for his “exemplary commitment to enhancing the Hajj pilgrimage.”

“…The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is honoured to strengthen this sacred partnership. Serving pilgrims from India and worldwide at the two holy mosques, reflects our enduring commitment to enriching the spiritual journey of all Muslims,” he added.