By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
JEDDAH – India and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their longstanding partnership in facilitating a safe, smooth and comfortable Haj pilgrimage for Indian pilgrims, with the signing of the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj-2027 in Jeddah on Monday. Under the agreement, India has been allocated a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for the forthcoming pilgrimage.
Shri Kiren Rijiju, India’s Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, who was on an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 6 to 9, signed the agreement following a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
The two Ministers reviewed preparations for Haj-2027 and discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral coordination, logistical arrangements and pilgrim support. Both sides reiterated their commitment to ensuring that Indian pilgrims have a safe, comfortable and well-organized pilgrimage experience.
India Participates in 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition
As part of his official engagements, Minister Rijiju attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on8th November 2026. He also participated in the Ministerial Conference chaired by Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, where he conveyed India’s appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s continued efforts towards improving facilities and services for pilgrims from across the world.
Reaffirming India’s commitment to close cooperation with Saudi Arabia for Haj-2027, the Minister highlighted the importance of sustained coordination between the two countries in matters relating to pilgrimage management and pilgrims’ welfare.
He also joined other visiting Ministers in an interaction with HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
Engagement with the Indian Community in Jeddah
Beyond the official meetings, Minister Rijiju attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House in Jeddah, where he interacted with Saudi friends and members of the Indian community in Western province of Saudi Arabia.
The gathering provided an opportunity to celebrate India’s cultural traditions while strengthening the bonds of friendship, goodwill and people-to-people connections between India and Saudi Arabia.
During the visit, 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. The meeting assessed the state of preparations for Haj-2027, with particular attention to coordination among the agencies concerned and the arrangements required to facilitate Indian pilgrims. He appreciated the collective efforts of all stakeholders involved in the preparations.
Shri Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs, accompanied Minister Rijiju.
Strengthening India-Saudi Arabia Partnership
The four-day visit has further reinforced the close and longstanding relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the important areas of Haj management, pilgrims’ welfare, cultural
