Current Affairs - International - Discussion

Saudi Arabia gives green signal to Indias proposal to revive sea route for Haj pilgrimage. Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Saudi Arabia gave green signal to India's proposal to revive option of Haj pilgrimage through sea route. It will be a revolutionary, pro-poor, pilgrim-friendly decision. He said, sending Haj pilgrims through ships will help cut down travel expenses significantly. Mr Naqvi said, officials from both countries will discuss all formalities and technicalities so that Haj through sea route can be re-started in coming years. The practice of ferrying Haj pilgrims between Mumbai and Jeddah by waterways was stopped in 1995. Saudi Arabia Haj Minister Dr. Mohamed Bentin and Mr. Naqvi, who is on a Saudi Arabia visit, have signed bilateral annual Haj 2018 agreement in Makkah. For the first time, Muslim women from India will go to Haj without Mehram, male companion.