Srinagar: In a momentous development, India and Saudi Arabia have officially formalized the Bilateral Haj Agreement for the year 2024.
The signing ceremony, presided over by Smriti Irani, Union Cabinet Minister for Textiles and Women & Child Development, and attended by the MoS for External Affairs, @MOS_MEA, marked a significant stride in the diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Irani in a Tweet said, “During the event, productive discussions unfolded with @tfrabiah, Saudi Minister of Haj and Umrah Affairs, addressing crucial matters of mutual interest. The Saudi delegation commended India’s groundbreaking digital initiatives, particularly in disseminating last-mile information to pilgrims, showcasing a strong acknowledgment of India’s technological prowess.”
An outstanding highlight of the talks was India’s proposal to facilitate the participation of women in Haj pilgrimage without the need for a Mehram, signaling a bold step towards inclusivity in religious practices, according to Irani.