A delegation headed by Smriti Irani, the Minister for Minority Affairs, in the Bharatiya Janata Party that rules India visited the Madina Munawara city of Saudi Arabia. This was the first non-Muslim group to enter and tour the sacred City of Medina with another woman, Nirupama Kotru, exploring historical Islamic sites like Masjid Nabawi, Uhud Mountain, and Masjid Quba.
Saudi authorities had granted special permission for the visit upon Irani’s request since non-Muslims are usually not allowed to enter Makkah and some parts of Medina, with punishments varying from fines to deportation. Along with V Muraleedharan, the Indian Minister of State for External Affairs, the delegation never had such an opportunity to see Islamic landmarks in a rare chance.
The visit had importance not merely due to its historic character but also because it was meant to give an understanding of the arrangements necessary for the forthcoming Haj pilgrimage and that India was committed to making Haj comfortable and meaningful for its Muslim citizens who will set out on this journey. During the visit, a Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 was signed between India and Saudi Arabia allocating quota for pilgrims of about 175,025 for the 2024 Haj pilgrimage.
Smriti Irani highlighted the intensity of cultural and spiritual engagement during her historic journey when she hailed Saudi officials for making the visit possible. The visit to Madina Munawara also involved the delegation having discussions with Saudi and Indian businessmen in order to look at investment opportunities and how they could increase bilateral connections.
Trade and investment between the Middle East particularly Saudi Arabia and India has witnessed a lot of developments in the recent past. India is now the second largest trade partner of Saudi Arabia, with annual trade crossing $240 billion. The improving economic relations indicate the changing relationships between the two countries.
This historic visit to Madina by a non-Muslim delegation from India is not just another trip; as India engages the Arab world, it helps further understanding and cooperation that could lead to even stronger ties in terms of religion, culture, and trade. The visit is indicative of the innovative diplomatic approaches that define India’s international engagements.
