India, Dec. 6 -- Saudi Arabia has revised visa regulations and increased dedicated flights to India so that more Indians can perform "Umrah", or the pilgrimage to Makkah done outside the month of Ramzan, Saudi Hajj and Umrah minister Tawfig Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah has said.

With 1.37 million Indian Muslims expected to perform Umrah in 2024, up from 1.2 million in 2023, Al-Rabiah said in an interview that Indians no longer require a specific visa for Umrah and can perform the pilgrimage with work or tourism visas. He also lauded the role of Indian expatriates in the economic and cultural enrichment of Saudi Arabia.

Q. What is the purpose of your visit to India?

A. During my time in India, I will have the opportunity to witness the inaugura...