Chicago – January 12, 2024
In an unusual diplomatic move, a non-Muslim Indian team has been granted access to Saudi Arabia’s holy city of Madina Munawara. The non-Muslim Indian team, led by the 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, and Masjid Quba, the world’s first mosque founded by the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter Makkah or any part of Medina. Attempting to enter can result in penalties like fines or deportation. The Irani-led party is thus the first non-Muslims to enter the city and see Islamic heritage sites.
Irani and Nirupama Kotru, two women in the delegation, walked around without covering their heads. Smirti also wore a Bindiya on her forehead. The male state minister wore an off-white Dhoti and saffron Kurta, as is customary for men in India.
India and Saudi Arabia signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2024 during the visit. India has been assigned a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the 2024 Haj pilgrimage. The Saudis’ unprecedented gesture of bringing a non-Muslim group to Madina demonstrates the strength of India-Saudi bilateral relations. As both countries strengthen their ties, this historic visit is expected to significantly contribute to mutual understanding and collaboration in religion and culture.
