NE SPIRITUAL BUREAU
NEW DELHI, NOV 13
In a landmark step to further streamline the pilgrimage experience for Indian Haj pilgrims, Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju on Sunday signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2026 with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, in Jeddah. The accord confirms India’s Haj quota at 175,025 pilgrims for the 2026 season.
Hon’ble Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju’s visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia marked a significant step in strengthening India–Saudi Arabia relations.
The visit reinforced cooperation in Haj management, enhanced coordination for pilgrims’ welfare, and deepened… https://t.co/qw2wTBGNyw
— Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) November 10, 2025
The meeting, held during Rijiju’s official visit to Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 9, saw both sides reaffirm their shared commitment to ensure a safe, seamless, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage. Discussions centred on enhancing infrastructure, transportation, accommodation, digital facilitation, and medical services for Indian pilgrims.
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… pic.twitter.com/Yonkj8U0LT— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 9, 2025
“A significant step in deepening the India–Saudi Arabia ties. The Bilateral Haj Agreement for 2026 reflects our shared vision to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching journey for Indian pilgrims,” Rijiju said in a post on X. “Our discussions reaffirmed the friendship and mutual trust between both nations, anchored in cooperation and service to pilgrims,” he added.
Following the signing, Rijiju conducted an internal review meeting with officials from the Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to assess the preparatory measures for Haj 2026. He lauded the coordinated efforts of both missions in facilitating the welfare and comfort of Indian pilgrims.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is committed to ensuring world-class services for our Haj pilgrims. Every effort is being made to make their journey smoother, safer, and spiritually fulfilling,” Rijiju said.
The Minister also undertook field visits to major Haj and Umrah-related facilities in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 at Jeddah Airport and the Haramain High-Speed Rail Station, to personally review the infrastructure available for pilgrims. He also met with members of the Indian diaspora, appreciating their role in strengthening bilateral goodwill.
The visit marked an important milestone in India–Saudi Arabia relations, symbolising growing cooperation not only in pilgrimage management but also in cultural exchange, people-to-people connectivity, and community welfare.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia deeply values its partnership with India in facilitating the Haj pilgrimage. We are committed to working closely with India to make Haj 2026 a memorable and well-coordinated experience for all pilgrims,” said Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
Rijiju was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs. The visit, undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Minister, underscored the deepening spirit of friendship and mutual respect that continues to guide the enduring partnership between the two nations.
