Muktesh K Pardeshi, the Secretary overseeing Consular, Passport, Visa, and Overseas Indian Affairs, conducted a comprehensive assessment of the arrangements for Haj 2024 in the cities of Jeddah and Madinah.

Pardeshi convened a session with Abdul Fattah Mashat, Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister for Haj, to delve into the logistics and infrastructure enhancements aimed at enhancing the well-being and convenience of pilgrims.

In a communication via X, formerly known as Twitter, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia expressed, “Muktesh Pardeshi, Secretary (CPV&OIA), engaged in a productive dialogue with Vice Minister for Haj, Dr. Abdul-Fattah bin Sulaiman Mashat in Jeddah today. Their discussion revolved around the arrangements for the upcoming Haj, with a strong emphasis on delivering top-notch services to Indian pilgrims.”

Muktesh K Pardeshi embarked on an official mission to Saudi Arabia from May 4-7 with the objective of fortifying the strategic alliance between India and Saudi Arabia, as announced by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday. Notably, the 2024 Haj quota will accommodate a total of 175,025 Indian pilgrims.

Pardeshi also engaged in discussions with Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati, the Deputy Minister for Political Affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, the progress under the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) and areas of bilateral and mutual interest were scrutinized. He reiterated India’s dedication to bolstering cooperation with Saudi Arabia across diverse domains, as outlined by the MEA.

In a statement shared on X, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia declared, “Muktesh Pardeshi, Deputy Minister/Secretary (CPV&OIA), conferred with H.E. Dr. Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati, Deputy Minister for Political Affairs @KSAmofaEN. They delved into bilateral relations and explored matters of shared concern.”

While in Riyadh, Muktesh K Pardeshi convened with Nasser Al Qahtani, Assistant Minister of Electricity Affairs, and Mohammed AIbrahim, Assistant Minister for Petroleum and Gas, at the Ministry of Energy to discuss deepening energy collaboration, particularly in renewables and on-grid connectivity. Discussions also revolved around facilitating investments between India and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, he met with Raad Al Barakati, President and CEO of the Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnerships (SCISP), to review the initiatives under the Economy pillar of the SPC, as per MEA.

According to the MEA’s press release, “Engagement with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) constituted a significant focal point of the visit. The Secretary paid a visit to the GCC Secretariat in Riyadh and engaged in discussions with GCC Assistant Secretary-General H.E Dr Abdulaziz Aluwaisheg.”

“The deliberations aimed at bolstering the institutional framework of relations and enhancing ties across various domains, including trade, security, energy, and cultural exchange. Both parties exchanged perspectives on the regional and international landscape,” it further elucidated.

During his sojourn, Pardeshi assessed the welfare of the 2.4 million-strong Indian community residing in Saudi Arabia. He lauded the leadership of Saudi Arabia for their endeavors in safeguarding the well-being of the Indian diaspora.

The esteemed diplomat engaged with the dynamic community in both Jeddah and Riyadh. He conveyed appreciation for the contributions of the Indian community to Saudi Arabia’s socio-economic fabric and reassured them of the Government of India’s unwavering support and assistance, as per the MEA.

In a statement on X, the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah remarked, “CGI, Jeddah orchestrated an interaction between the Indian Community and Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, @MukteshPardeshi on 05 May, at its premises. Consul General Mohd. Shahid Alam extended a warm welcome and underscored CGI, Jeddah’s efforts for the welfare of the Indian Community within its jurisdiction.”

“Pardeshi, in his discourse, underscored the pivotal role that the Indian diaspora plays abroad in realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat.’ Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi, Shri Asim R. Mahajan also engaged with members of the Indian Community,” it elaborated.

“He engaged with the vibrant community in both Jeddah and Riyadh. Secretary expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Indian community to the socio-economic fabric of Saudi Arabia and assured them of the Government of India’s continued support and assistance,” stated the MEA.

Pardeshi’s visit underscored the depth and breadth of the relationship between India, Saudi Arabia, and the GCC. It reaffirmed India’s commitment to mutual prosperity and collaboration across diverse fields, according to the MEA.

On Tuesday, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, hosted a reception in honor of Muktesh Pardeshi at the India House. In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia noted, “Amb. Dr. Suhel Khan hosted a community reception in honor of Secretary (CPV&OIA) Shri Muktesh Pardeshi at the India House. Representatives of various diaspora organizations & cross-section of the Indian community members attended the event and warmly welcomed the Secretary (CPV&OIA).”