- Kiren Rijiju seals Haj 2026 pact in Jeddah; 175,025 seats allotted for Indian pilgrims
- India and Saudi Arabia reaffirm commitment to smoother, safer Haj journeys
Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement with the Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, confirming India’s Haj quota at 175,025 pilgrims for 2026. The agreement was signed in Jeddah on Sunday during Rijiju’s official visit to the Kingdom from November 7 to 9.
The two ministers held extensive discussions on strengthening Haj-related coordination, improving facilities, and enhancing the overall pilgrimage experience for Indian devotees. According to an official statement, both sides reviewed ongoing preparations and discussed measures to ensure efficient logistical arrangements, focusing on accommodation, transport, and healthcare services. The ministers also reaffirmed their shared commitment to making the upcoming pilgrimage safer, more comfortable, and spiritually enriching.
Following the agreement, Rijiju chaired an internal review meeting with officials from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah. The discussions focused on assessing preparations for Haj 2026 and ensuring that all arrangements align with the expectations of Indian pilgrims. Rijiju appreciated the coordinated efforts of embassy and consulate teams, who have been working closely with Saudi authorities to deliver a hassle-free experience.
The minister also visited key facilities linked to the Haj and Umrah process in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and Haramain Station, to assess infrastructure readiness. He met members of the Indian diaspora during his tour, recognizing their contribution to India–Saudi relations. Sharing the development on X, Rijiju posted, “A significant step in deepening the India–Saudi Arabia ties. Held a Bilateral Meeting & signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj & Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Haj Quota of 175,025 has been secured for Indian Pilgrims for 2026.”
He further stated that the talks reaffirmed both nations’ shared resolve to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling journey for all Haj pilgrims. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, underscores the growing strategic cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, extending beyond religious coordination to include cultural and community welfare linkages.
This development marks a major milestone in India–Saudi Arabia relations, reinforcing mutual respect and collaboration while assuring better services for Indian pilgrims in future Haj missions.
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