Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: India and Saudi Arabia have signed the bilateral Haj Agreement for 2026, confirming a quota of 175,025 Indian pilgrims for the annual pilgrimage. The agreement was signed during Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju’s official visit to Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 9.
The agreement was inked following Rijiju’s bilateral meeting with Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, in Jeddah. Both sides reviewed ongoing preparations for Haj 2026 and discussed ways to further improve coordination, logistics, and facilities for Indian pilgrims.
In a post on X, Rijiju said, “A significant step in deepening the India– Saudi Arabia ties. Held a bilateral meeting and 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 for 2026. Our discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling journey for all Haj pilgrims.” The discussions during the meeting focused on enhancing transport, accommodation, and healthcare arrangements to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Rijiju, accompanied by Aseem R Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Haj), also held internal review meetings with officials of the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to assess ongoing Haj preparations. He lauded their efforts in coordinating closely with Saudi authorities to ensure the welfare of pilgrims. During the visit, the Minister inspected key Haj and Umrah facilities in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and Haramain Station, and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora.
