India, Saudi Arabia discuss ways to enhance Haj experience for Indian pilgrims
Jeddah, Aug 10
Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, on Sunday met Abdulaziz Al Mathami, Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation, Ministry of Haj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia and discussed the technical integration of Haj portals to improve the Haj experience for Indian pilgrims.
"Dr Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, accompanied by Consul General Mr Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, met with H.E. Abdulaziz Al Mathami, Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation, Ministry of Haj and Umrah, KSA, and the Nusuk Masar team," the Consulate General of India in Jeddah wrote on X.
"They held discussions on technical integration of Indian and Saudi Haj portals, and leveraging emerging technologies to enhance coordination, streamline services, and further improve the Haj experience for Indian pilgrims," it added.
The delegation also met Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahim Wazzan, Deputy Minister for Haj and Umrah and held constructive discussions on enhancing Haj pilgrims' experience in Madinah, with particular emphasis on accommodation, transportation, coordination, and other essential pilgrimage arrangements. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and ensuring a smooth, safe and comfortable Haj-2027 for Indian pilgrims.
Earlier in the day, the delegation met Abdulfattah S. Mashat, Vice Minister for Haj and Umrah.
"The delegation comprehensively discussed arrangements for upcoming Hajj-2027, with a focus on strengthening cooperation, fostering collaboration, and enhancing coordination to ensure a smooth and comfortable Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims," noted the Consul General.
On Thursday, Secretary Srivatsa Krishna met Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services in Riyadh and discussed arrangements for Hajj flights as well as other transport facilities for Indian pilgrims for Hajj 2027.
On Wednesday, the Secretary met Nouf Suliman Alnumair, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation in Riyadh and held comprehensive discussions on matters pertaining to medical and health services provided to the Indian pilgrims for the upcoming Hajj 2027.
— IANS
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see India and Saudi Arabia working closely to improve the pilgrimage experience. Every year, lakhs of Indians undertake this holy journey, and these infrastructure improvements will ease their burden significantly.
I just hope these digital changes don't confuse our elder pilgrims who aren't tech-savvy. Paperwork is hard enough, but app-based systems can be a nightmare for my grandparents' generation. There should be proper helpdesks and offline options too.
Good to see the cooperation extending beyond just digital portals. Accommodation, transportation, medical services - they're covering all bases for Hajj 2027. Proper planning well in advance is what makes these large-scale operations successful.
While digital integration is good, I hope they also focus on the ground reality - long queues, crowded spaces, and proper guidance for first-time pilgrims. Technology helps, but human touch is still essential during Hajj. 🇮🇳🇸🇦
Kudos to the Minority Affairs Ministry for taking proactive steps! The teamwork between Indian officials and Saudi authorities will ensure thousands of Indian families have a peaceful and memorable pilgrimage. JazakAllah khair to all involved in organizing this! 🙏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.