Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Secretary Muktesh K Pardeshi on Wednesday reviewed the preparations for Haj 2024 pilgrimage during his just-concluded official visit to Saudi Arabia. He also held several meetings with a number of its ministers to strengthen cooperation between both sides.
"The visit of Secretary (Consular, Passport, Visa & Overseas Indian Affairs) underscored the "depth and breadth" of the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), reaffirming commitment to mutual prosperity and collaboration across diverse fields," the MEA said in a statement on Wednesday.
Secretary (CPV & OIA) "concluded an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 4th to 7th May 2024 aimed at strengthening the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia," the ministry said.
He had conducted a review of preparations for Haj 2024 in Jeddah and Madinah during his visit.
He met with Vice Haj Minister Abdul Fattah Mashat and discussed logistical arrangements and infrastructure developments aimed at the welfare and comfort of pilgrims.
"This year, a total of 175,025 Indian pilgrims will visit Saudi Arabia under the 2024 Hajj quota," the statement said.
Engagement with the GCC was an important focus of the visit. The secretary visited the GCC Secretariat in Riyadh and held a meeting with GCC Assistant Secretary General Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg, it added.
"The two sides discussed strengthening the institutional framework of ties, and enhancing relations across various sectors, including in trade, security, energy, and cultural exchange. Both sides exchanged views on the regional and international situation," the MEA said.
Pardeshi held substantive discussions in Riyadh with Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and reviewed the progress under the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in addition to some topics of bilateral and mutual interest.
The secretary reaffirmed India's commitment to "strengthening cooperation with KSA across various sectors".
"On the economic side, Secretary met with Assistant Ministers of Electricity Affairs, Nasser Al Qahtani and Assistant Minister for and Petroleum and Gas Eng. Mohammed AIbrahim in the Ministry of Energy to discuss deepening energy cooperation, including in the field of renewables and on grid connectivity. They also discussed facilitating investments between the two countries," the MEA added.
In another meeting with Raad Al Barakati, President and CEO of the Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnerships (SCISP), "the two sides reviewed the work under the Economy pillar of the SPC".
Pardeshi, during his visit, also reviewed the well-being of the 2.4 million-strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia, the statement said.
He appreciated the leadership of the Kingdom for their efforts in ensuring the welfare of the Indian community. He interacted with the vibrant community in both Jeddah and Riyadh, the statement issued by the ministry said.
The secretary appreciated the contributions of the Indian community to the socio-economic fabric of Saudi Arabia. He also assured them of the Indian government's "continued support and assistance".