Premier Modi to discuss Hajj 2025 quota with Crown Prince; 620 Deputationists to serve Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia | Today news

India has chosen as many as 620 deputationists this year to assist the Consulate General of India (CGI) Jeddah in the effective management of Hajj in Saudi Arabia for the purpose of serving the Indian pilgrims, the government said on Tuesday. George Kurian, Minister of Minority Affairs, inaugurated the Orientation Cum Training Program of Hajj 2025 Deputation on Tuesday, reads an official statement. This includes 266 administrative and 354 medical delegates. The program is scheduled for two days on April 22 and 23 at Scope Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi. During the orientation CUM training program, these delegates will be trained on various issues, including an overview of Hajj operations, the role of delegates, health issues, crowds and disaster management, and the Haj Suvidha app before they are set to Saudi Arabia. Kurian appreciates the role of Hajj delegates “as important capers in successful Hajj operations” and exhorts them to perform the duties assigned to them with “extreme sincerity and dedication”. The management of the Indian Hajj -Pilgrimage is the largest logistics exercise managed by the Indian government outside the country’s borders. Modi to discuss Hajj -Quota with Crown Prince India and Saudi Arabia will sign at least six agreements on Tuesday during Premier Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Golf Nation, reports the PTI news agency, referring to sources. PM Modi will discuss issues regarding Hajj, including the quota for Indian pilgrims, during his meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed Bin Salman Al Saud, according to the report. India’s HAJ quota for 2025 rose to 175.025 in 2014 from 136.020, with arrangements for 122,518 pilgrims finalized. Due to delays by combined HAJ group operators in contract agreements, about 42,000 Indians are unlikely to export the sacred pilgrimage this year. The two countries are expected to sign agreements in the field of space, energy, health, science and scientific research, culture and advanced technology. “Riyadh meetings continued late Monday to finalize details, with more than a dozen mous discussed, some signed at official level,” an official told Pti. Modi is on a state visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. First published: 22 Apr 2025, 22:46 IST