SRINAGAR: In an unprecedented move that underscores the exceptional nature of India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, accompanied by V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, embarked on a historic visit to Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“Undertook a historic journey to Madinah today, one of Islam’s holiest cities included a visit to the periphery of the revered Prophet’s Mosque, Al Masjid Al Nabwi, the mountain of Uhud, and periphery of the Quba Mosque – the first Mosque of Islam,” Smriti Irani wrote on the Twitter. “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 visit followed the two countries signing a bilateral agreement on January 7, 2024, under which New Delhi has been allocated a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for the annual Haj pilgrimage in 2024.
The delegation also engaged in enriching discussions with the Indian Diaspora, comprising dedicated Haj volunteers and community members. Productive dialogues were held with Saudi and Indian business professionals, highlighting the crucial role of economic ties in fostering strong bilateral relations. Additionally, the minister visited Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The visit to Madinah, also known as Medina, holds profound religious significance for Muslims worldwide, being the city to which the Prophet Muhammad migrated, marking the inception of the Islamic Hijra calendar.
