Haj 2026: Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the bilateral Haj agreement with Saudi Arabia, which set India’s quota at 175,025 pilgrims for the Hajj in 2026. This means that the number of Indians traveling to Mecca for Haj via Jeddah will be limited to the agreed limit.
Kiren Rijiju, who was in Saudi Arabia on an official visit from November 7 to 9, met Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah in Jeddah on Sunday.
During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed the ongoing Háj preparations and discussed measures to improve coordination and logistical support. This joint effort and commitment aims to streamline the pilgrimage process for Indian pilgrims, an official statement said.
Discussion outline
The talks focused on improving the quality of the pilgrimage experience by improving facilities, transport, accommodation and health services, PTI reported.
After the meeting, the two sides signed a Bilateral Haj Agreement between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Haj 2026 in Jeddah. The quota for India has been confirmed at 175,025, the statement said.
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The Union Minister also held an internal review meeting with officials of the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to review the ongoing preparations for Haj 2026.
He appreciated the efforts made by the Mission and Consulate teams in close coordination with the Saudi authorities to ensure the welfare and comfort of the pilgrims visiting from India, PTI reported.
Visits of the Minister of Trade Unions in the field
During the visit, the Minister also made several field visits to key sites related to Haj and Umrah in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and Haramain Station in Jeddah. These visits gave him a first-hand look at the infrastructure and facilities available for pilgrims, the statement said.
While visiting these places, Rijiju interacted with some members of the Indian diaspora.
“A significant step to strengthen India-Saudi relations. We held a bilateral meeting and signed a bilateral Haj agreement with Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan al-rabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Haj quota of 175,025 has been secured for Indian pilgrims x26 for Riju2.
“Our discussions on #Haj2026 reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to ensure a safe, hassle-free and spiritually fulfilling journey for all Haj pilgrims,” X wrote in the post.
What does this visit mean for both nations?
Rijiju’s visit marks an important milestone in the deepening partnership between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the statement said.
It reflects the shared commitment of the two nations to enhance cooperation in various fields, particularly in cultural exchange and community welfare.
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The visit further reinforced the spirit of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation that continues to guide India-Saudi relations and contributes positively to the welfare of the pilgrims and the broader strengthening of bilateral ties, the statement said.
Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia on the invitation of the Minister of Hajj and Umrah. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf) and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs.
