In unusual diplomacy between Riyadh and New Delhi, a non-Muslim Indian delegation gained access to the holy city of Medina.
In a rare diplomacy, a non-Muslim Indian delegation gained access to the holy city of Madina Munawara in Saudi Arabia.
The non-Muslim Indian delegation, led by ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Minority Affairs Minister Smriti Irani, arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday for a two-day official visit.
The Hindu delegation visited Masjid Nabawi (SAW), Uhud mountain, Masjid Quba, the first mosque in the world established by the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
There is a complete ban on non-Muslims entering Mecca and parts of the holy city of Medina. Attempting entry may result in sanctions, including fines or deportation. The Iranian-led delegation is therefore the first group of non-Muslims to enter the city and visit historical sites of Islam.
Saudi authorities granted special permission for the visit at Iran's request. Also in the delegation was V Muraleedharan, Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs.
Interestingly, apart from Irani, another woman in the delegation was Nirupama Kotru, a Kashmiri Pandit IRS officer posted as Joint Secretary in India's Ministry of Minority Affairs.
The two women of the delegation moved around Sari and Shalvar-Kameez without covering their heads. Smirti also wore Bindiya on her forehead. The state minister was in a traditional Indian men's suit of off-white Dhoti and saffron Kurta. Former entertainer Irani, who played Tulsi in the Indian soap opera. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu ThiHe posted a collage of images from his visit to Madina Munawara on X and wrote:
“Today we embarked on a historic journey to Medina, one of the holiest cities of Islam, which included a visit to the periphery of the revered Prophet's Mosque, Al Masjid Al Nabwi, the mountain of Uhud and the periphery of the Quba Mosque, the first mosque of Islam. “The importance of visiting these sites, courtesy of Saudi officials, intertwined with early Islamic history, underscores the depth of our cultural and spiritual commitment.”
According to an official statement, the visit of the Indian delegation would give an insight into the preparations needed for this year's Haj pilgrimage.
“The Government of India is deeply committed to helping provide facilities and services to Indian Muslims undertaking the Haj pilgrimage, thereby providing them with a comfortable and satisfying experience,” the statement added.
“India and Saudi Arabia share warm and cordial ties and the Government of India deeply appreciates the special gesture of the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah in facilitating this visit of the Indian delegation to Madinah,” he further said.
During his visit, the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 was signed between India and Saudi Arabia. As per the agreement, India has been allocated a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the Haj pilgrimage in 2024. This exceptional gesture by the Saudi side, welcoming a non-Muslim delegation to Madinah, underlines the strength of bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. As both nations continue to forge stronger ties, this historic visit is set to contribute significantly to mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of religious and cultural exchanges, Indian media reported.
During the visit, Irani also met with Saudi and Indian business professionals to explore investment opportunities and foster stronger bilateral relations between the states.
Earlier, the Indian delegation explored the cultural richness of Al-Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the vibrant cultural heritage of Jeddah. The delegation was made up of senior officials from the Ministries of Minority Affairs and Foreign Affairs. Its objective was to strengthen bilateral relations and gain valuable insights into the necessary preparations for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.
Irani also held rich conversations with the Indian diaspora, comprising dedicated Haj volunteers and community members. She also spoke with Saudi and Indian business professionals, emphasizing the crucial role of economic ties in fostering strong bilateral relations.
On her experience of visiting Saudi Arabia, Nirupama Kotru told Indian media: “As a woman, I felt quite empowered being in Madinah. It was a rare and historic occasion when Mrs. Smriti Irani and I wandered bareheaded all over Medina. The Saudi government gave special permission to our delegation to visit the three iconic places of Medina on Lady's Day. [Smriti Irani] order.”
However, Kotru clarified that in Quba the delegation did not enter the mosque but went up to the periphery. The entry of non-Muslims is strictly prohibited in this mosque.
India's trade outreach is quickly becoming the centerpiece of its deepening relationship with the Middle East. India's relations with Saudi Arabia have also seen unprecedented growth in recent years, marked by a notable increase in trade and other investments.
According to media reports, India's trade with the Arab world has already surpassed an all-time high of $240 billion a year. India is Saudi Arabia's second largest trading partner. India's foreign trade with Saudi Arabia hit an all-time high of $52.75 billion in FY23. Motor vehicles, refined and value-added petroleum products, rice, organic chemicals, copper products , telecom equipment, buffalo meat and aluminum products are India's major exports to Saudi Arabia. On the contrary, it imports crude oil, fertilizers, plastic raw materials, organic and inorganic chemicals, etc.
