Kiren Rijiju visits Saudi Arabia, signs Haj-2027 agreement; India’s pilgrim quota fixed at 1,75,025

Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju concluded an official visit to Saudi Arabia from November 6 to 9, during which India and the Kingdom signed the bilateral Haj Agreement for 2027, confirming a quota of 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims.

As part of the visit, Rijiju held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, at the Jeddah Superdome on November 9. The meeting was attended by the Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the Joint Secretary (Haj) of the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

The two ministers reviewed preparations for Haj-2027 and discussed measures to strengthen bilateral coordination and logistical support. They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for Indian Haj pilgrims.

Following the discussions, the two sides signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement between India and Saudi Arabia for Haj-2027, with India’s country quota confirmed at 1,75,025.

The ministers highlighted the longstanding historical ties and strong people-to-people connections underpinning the strategic partnership between the two countries. Rijiju appreciated the successful conduct of Haj-2026 and assured the Saudi side of India’s full cooperation for the smooth organisation of the next pilgrimage.

On November 8, the Union Minister attended the inauguration of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and participated in the Ministerial Conference chaired by Dr. Al-Rabiah. He conveyed India’s appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s continued commitment to pilgrims’ welfare and reiterated New Delhi’s commitment to close cooperation for Haj-2027.

Rijiju also joined visiting ministers in an interaction with Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.

During the visit, the minister attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House in Jeddah, where he interacted with members of the Indian community and officials. He appreciated the Indian diaspora’s contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries, describing its role as a living bridge of friendship and goodwill.

Rijiju also chaired a review meeting with officials from the Consulate General of India, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for Haj-2027. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of the stakeholders and called for continued cooperation to ensure the comfort and welfare of Indian pilgrims. He also visited key Haj-related and cultural sites in Jeddah.

The visit is expected to further strengthen India-Saudi Arabia cooperation in Haj management, pilgrims’ welfare, cultural exchange and people-to-people relations.

(PIB)

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