On Monday 9 November 2026 Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed a bilateral Haj agreement with Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah in Jeddah, granting 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims the right to perform the 2027 pilgrimage.
The Indian Consulate in Jeddah confirmed that the two ministers reviewed preparation plans, discussed logistical support and reiterated a joint commitment to a safe and comfortable journey for Indian devotees.
Haj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca required once in a lifetime for Muslims who are physically and financially able, takes place in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar and involves a series of rituals over five to six days. Saudi authorities allocate annual quotas based on each country’s Muslim population, balancing limited space at the holy sites.
India’s quota has risen steadily, from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 for the current cycle, according to the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The figure will remain unchanged for both 2026 and 2027.
Rijiju arrived in Saudi Arabia on 6 November as part of an official visit that runs until 9 November. During the trip he attended the inauguration of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition, participated in a ministerial conference chaired by Al Rabiah, and met Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
He also joined the Noor‑e‑Diwali celebration at India House in Jeddah, interacting with Saudi friends and the Indian diaspora in western Saudi Arabia. A review meeting with officials from the Indian Consulate, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India was chaired by Rijiju to assess preparations for Haj 2027.
The consulate’s statement highlighted that the visit reinforced the long‑standing India‑Saudi partnership, emphasizing cooperation in pilgrimage management, pilgrims’ welfare, cultural exchange and people‑to‑people ties.
Image: Wikipedia — Kiren Rijiju
📰 Source: Siasat Gulf