In a historic visit, Smriti Irani leads first non-Muslim Indian delegation to Madinah
New Delhi, Jan 9: In a historic visit showcasing significant diplomacy with Saudi Arabia, Union Minister for Women and Child Development and Minority Affairs Smriti Irani led the non-Muslim Indian delegation to the holy city of Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest cities.
“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. 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 (sic),” Irani said on social media giant X (formerly known as X).
Irani was accompanied by Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V. Muraleedharan, led a delegation of senior officials from Ministry of Minority Affairs and Ministry of External Affairs including Kashmiri Hindu IRS Officer Nirupama Kotru.
This was a landmark development and the unprecedented visit marked the first time a non-Muslim delegation had been welcomed to Madinah, underscoring the exceptional nature of India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations. The visit is part of an ongoing diplomatic mission, during which a crucial milestone was reached on Sunday with the signing of the bilateral Hajj agreement for Hajj 2024 between India and Saudi Arabia.
Historic in every sense. India’s top Minister @smritiirani visits Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia. Delegation also comprised of a Kashmiri Hindu IRS Officer @nirupamakotru. Two Non-Muslim Indian women without Headgear in Madinah was truly unthinkable. Kudos… pic.twitter.com/u8M8bCtf5x
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 9, 2024
The delegation visited the perimeter of the Prophet's Mosque (Al Masjid Al Nabwi) in the Markazia area of Madinah. This was followed by a visit to the mountain of Uhud and a visit to the Quba Mosque. Quba Mosque is the first Mosque of Islam while Uhud Mountain is the final resting place of a number early Islamic martyrs.
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. The significance of the visit to… pic.twitter.com/WgbUJeJTLv
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 8, 2024
The delegation interacted with Indian volunteers who provide dedicated and selfless service to Indian Haj pilgrims, including during Haj 2023. The delegation also interacted with Umrah pilgrims from India.
"The visit shall help provide a first hand insight into the arrangements required to be made for ensuring a comfortable Haj 2024 for the Indian pilgrims. The Government of India is deeply committed to assist in providing facilities and services to Indian Muslims who undertake the Haj pilgrimage, thereby providing them with a comfortable and fulfilling experience," it added.
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