India, Saudi Arabia ink Haj agreement with over 175,025 pilgrim quota
India and Saudi Arabia signed a bilateral agreement under which New Delhi has been allocated a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the annual Haj pilgrimage in 2024.
Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani and Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan, in Jeddah.
According to an official statement, a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims from India has been finalized for Haj 2024, with 1,40,020 seats reserved for pilgrims to proceed through Haj Committee, whereas 35,005 pilgrims would be permitted to proceed through private operators.
“Pleased to announce the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 formalization between India and Saudi Arabia. I and Hon’ble MoS for External Affairs, Shri @MOS_MEA, presided over the signing. Also engaged in productive discussions on matters of mutual interest with @tfrabiah, Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Affairs,” Ms. Irani said in a post on X.
She said the Saudi delegation sincerely appreciated India’s exceptional digital initiatives, particularly in providing essential last-mile information to pilgrims.
“Our proposal to encourage the participation of women without Mehram in the Haj pilgrimage further underscores our commitment to inclusivity,” she added.
She said that discussions also encompassed plans for enhancing medical facilities, ensuring the comprehensive well-being of all pilgrims.
“I deeply value the collaborative spirit exhibited during these deliberations and eagerly anticipate the continued fortification of our bilateral relations.”
During the meeting, the statement said that India’s digital initiatives in facilitating and promoting ease and convenience for the Haj pilgrims were greatly appreciated by the Saudi side, and the Gulf Kingdom offered to extend all possible help.
“The initiative of the Government of India towards encouraging participation under the Ladies without Mehram (LWM) category was discussed, deeply appreciated and lauded,” it added.
Ms. Irani and Mr. Muraleedharan later visited the Haj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to oversee the arrangements for pilgrims and explore ways to facilitate better logistics and monitoring mechanisms for their convenience.