Jeddah: Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from 6 to 9 November 2026 and signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj-2027. India’s pilgrim quota was confirmed at 175,025. The Indian delegation included the Joint Secretary (Haj) of the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the CEO of the Haj Committee of India.
On 9 November, Rijiju met Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah at the Jeddah Superdome. India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the Joint Secretary (Haj) also took part. The two ministers reviewed preparations for Haj-2027 and discussed ways to strengthen coordination and logistical support. They reaffirmed their commitment to a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for every Indian pilgrim. The agreement was signed in Jeddah after the meeting. Rijiju appreciated how Haj-2026 was conducted and assured the Saudi side of India’s full cooperation for Haj-2027. Both ministers noted that the India-Saudi strategic partnership rests on long-standing historical ties and strong people-to-people links.
On 8 November, Rijiju attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and took part in the Ministerial Conference chaired by Dr. Al-Rabiah. He thanked the Saudi leadership for its continued commitment to pilgrims’ welfare and reaffirmed India’s commitment to close cooperation on Haj-2027. He also joined visiting ministers in an interaction with HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
During the visit, Rijiju attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House, Jeddah, where he met members of the Indian community and officials. He praised the diaspora’s contribution to strengthening ties and called it a living bridge of friendship and goodwill between the two countries. He 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 Haj-2027 preparations. He appreciated the coordination among all stakeholders and urged them to keep working closely for the comfort and welfare of Indian pilgrims. He also visited key Haj-related and cultural sites in Jeddah.
The visit further strengthens the India-Saudi Arabia partnership, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to cooperation on Haj management, pilgrim welfare, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.