Madina,10 January, 2023 (GNP): Indian government delegation, led by its minister, makes a rare diplomatic visit to the holy city of Madina Munawara, as reported by the media.
The Hindu delegation toured Masjid Nabawi (SAW), Uhud Mountain, and Masjid Quba, the world’s first mosque founded by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Led by Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation embarked on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, marking a rare occasion of a non-Muslim dignitary accessing the holy city.
Non-Muslim entry into Makkah and certain areas of Medina is strictly prohibited, with potential penalties like fines or deportation. The Irani-led delegation is the inaugural non-Muslim group granted access to the city, exploring significant Islamic sites.
Upon Irani’s request, Saudi authorities granted special permission for the visit. The delegation, including V Muraleedharan, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, benefited from this exceptional approval.
Also Read: Chinese foreign minister outlines China’s diplomatic priorities for 2024
As per an official statement, the Indian delegation’s visit aims to provide insights into the necessary arrangements for this year’s Haj pilgrimage.
The Government of India is firmly dedicated to supporting and facilitating facilities for Indian Muslims during the Haj pilgrimage, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience, stated the official announcement.
Highlighting the warm relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, the statement expressed deep appreciation for the special gesture from Saudi’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah in facilitating the Indian delegation’s visit to Madinah.
The Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 was signed between India and Saudi Arabia during the visit. The agreement allocates a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the 2024 Haj pilgrimage. Saudi Arabia’s exceptional gesture in welcoming a non-Muslim delegation to Madina underscores the robust bilateral relations between the two countries. This historic visit, contributing to mutual understanding and cooperation in religious and cultural exchanges, is poised to strengthen ties further, as reported by Indian media.
Irani utilized the visit to engage with Saudi and Indian business professionals, aiming to explore investment opportunities and enhance bilateral relations between the two states.
India’s trade with the Arab world has exceeded a record $240 billion annually, with India ranking as Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner.
In FY23, India’s foreign trade with Saudi Arabia reached a peak of $52.75 billion. Key Indian exports to Saudi Arabia include motor vehicles, refined petroleum products, rice, organic chemicals, copper products, telecom equipment, buffalo meat, and aluminum products.
Conversely, India imports crude petroleum, fertilizers, plastic raw materials, organic and inorganic chemicals, among other items.
