MUMBAI: Union minister Smriti Irani on Monday led the first ever non-Muslim Indian delegation to Medina, one of Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia. During her visit, she interacted with Indian volunteers serving Haj pilgrims and Umrah pilgrims from India. She also took inputs to further improve the facilities for Indian pilgrims.
Irani, accompanied by junior minister V Muraleedharan and officials from the ministries of Minority Affairs and External Affairs, visited the perimeter of Masjid-e-Nabwi or the Prophet’s mosque in Medina, which also houses Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.
“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,” Irani posted on X on Monday. She said the visit was “significant” as it “underscores the depth of our cultural and spiritual engagement.”
Speaking on the visit, BJP leader Haider Azam who said, “The Saudi authorities have now relaxed the bar on visits of non-Muslims to the holy city of Medina. It is good news that Mrs Irani visited Medina and reached the periphery of the Prophet’s Mosque. This will go a long way to further improve India-Saudi relationship.”
The lifting of the restriction is part of crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s many reforms in the Kingdom. The visit was part of the diplomatic mission, which also saw signing of a bilateral agreement on January 7 between the two nations for Haj 2024. According to the agreement, India got a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Haj 2024.
Irani, accompanied by junior minister V Muraleedharan and officials from the ministries of Minority Affairs and External Affairs, visited the perimeter of Masjid-e-Nabwi or the Prophet’s mosque in Medina, which also houses Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.
“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,” Irani posted on X on Monday. She said the visit was “significant” as it “underscores the depth of our cultural and spiritual engagement.”
Speaking on the visit, BJP leader Haider Azam who said, “The Saudi authorities have now relaxed the bar on visits of non-Muslims to the holy city of Medina. It is good news that Mrs Irani visited Medina and reached the periphery of the Prophet’s Mosque. This will go a long way to further improve India-Saudi relationship.”
The lifting of the restriction is part of crown prince Mohammed Bin Salman’s many reforms in the Kingdom. The visit was part of the diplomatic mission, which also saw signing of a bilateral agreement on January 7 between the two nations for Haj 2024. According to the agreement, India got a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Haj 2024.