Last Updated on November 10, 2026 12:46 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
AMN / Jeddah
India and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed the bilateral agreement for Haj-2027, with the Kingdom confirming a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for India. The agreement was signed in Jeddah following a high-level meeting between Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah.
Rijiju was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from November 6 to 9, accompanied by a delegation comprising the Joint Secretary (Haj) of the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Chief Executive Officer of the Haj Committee of India.
During the bilateral meeting held on November 9 at the Jeddah Superdome, the two ministers reviewed preparations for Haj-2027 and discussed measures to strengthen coordination and logistical arrangements to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for Indian Haj pilgrims.
The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia and other senior officials. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation and effective coordination in addressing the requirements of Indian pilgrims.
Rijiju appreciated the successful conduct of Haj-2026 and assured the Saudi leadership of India’s full cooperation in making the next pilgrimage season equally successful. The ministers also highlighted the longstanding historical and people-to-people ties between the two countries, describing cooperation in Haj management as an important dimension of their bilateral partnership.
Earlier, on November 8, Rijiju attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and participated in a ministerial conference chaired by Dr. Al-Rabiah. He conveyed India’s appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s continued efforts towards improving facilities and ensuring the welfare of pilgrims.
The Indian minister also reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to working closely with Saudi authorities for the successful organisation of Haj-2027. During the visit, he joined other visiting ministers in an interaction with HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
As part of his engagements with the Indian community, Rijiju attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House in Jeddah, where he interacted with members of the diaspora and Indian officials. He appreciated the contribution of the Indian community in strengthening relations between the two countries, describing the diaspora as an important bridge of friendship and goodwill.
The minister also chaired a review meeting with officials of the Consulate General of India, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for the forthcoming pilgrimage. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the agencies concerned and stressed the need for continued cooperation to ensure the comfort, safety and welfare of Indian pilgrims.
During his stay, Rijiju also visited key Haj-related and cultural sites in Jeddah.
The visit and the signing of the Haj-2027 agreement underline the continuing cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in pilgrimage management, logistical support and the welfare of Indian pilgrims, while further strengthening the longstanding bilateral relationship.