Team Blitz India
NOT long ago, former Congress minister and MP Shashi Tharoor admitted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s outreach to the Islamic world, especially the Arab world, has been exemplary. But now, the Modi Government has set a new paradigm with a twin event this month.
Union Minister for Minority Affairs Smriti Irani on January 8 led the firstever non-Muslim Indian delegation to Medina, one of Islam’s holiest cities in Saudi Arabia. During her visit, she interacted with Indian volunteers serving Haj and Umrah pilgrims from India. She also took inputs to further improve the facilities.
Next day, in another much-publicised pre-Vibrant Gujarat Summit event, PM Modi with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nayhan, held a roadshow in Ahmedabad. Both Modi and Irani were vocal on ‘X’ on the occasions.
• Irani leads first non-Muslim delegation to Medina
A ‘very special’ visit
PM Modi wrote: “Landed in Ahmedabad a short while ago. Over the next two days, will be taking part in the Vibrant Gujarat Summit and related programmes.
It is a matter of immense joy that various world leaders will be joining us during this Summit. The coming of my brother, HH Mohamed Bin Zayed is very special. I have a very close association with the Vibrant Gujarat Summit, and I am glad to see how this platform has contributed to Gujarat’s growth and created opportunities for several people.”
Popular on her social media handles, Smriti Irani posted: “Undertook a historic journey to Madinah today, one of Islam’s holiest cities included a visit to the periphery of the revered Prophet’s Mosque, Al Masjid Al Nabwi, the mountain of Uhud, and periphery of the Quba Mosque—the first Mosque of Islam.” She said the visit was “significant” as it “underscores the depth of our cultural and spiritual engagement.”
Irani, accompanied by junior minister V Muraleedharan and officials from the ministries of Minority Affairs and External Affairs, visited the perimeter of Masjid-e-Nabwi or the Prophet’s mosque in Medina, which also houses Prophet Muhammad’s tomb.
The lifting of the restriction is part of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s many reforms in the Kingdom. The visit was part of the diplomatic mission, which also saw signing of a bilateral agreement on January 7 between the two nations for Haj 2024. According to the agreement, India got a total quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Haj 2024.
Meanwhile, PM Modi was in Gujarat to revel in the Vibrant Gujarat summit, first launched by him during his second term as Chief Minister of the state. The PM inaugurated the summit, which was held from January 10 to 12.
However, it was the roadshow before the summit that received significant media attention. Before their roadshow, PM Modi welcomed the UAE President on the latter’s arrival at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. After that, the two leaders began their roadshow on a three-km-long route, starting from the airport.
