Daijiworld Media Network – Jeddah

Jeddah, Nov 10: Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju has signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement 2026 with Saudi Arabia, confirming a quota of 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims for the upcoming pilgrimage. The agreement was signed during Rijiju’s official visit to Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 9.

Rijiju met with Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, in Jeddah on Sunday. Both sides reviewed ongoing Haj preparations and discussed ways to enhance coordination, logistics, and services to ensure a smooth pilgrimage for Indian devotees.

The ministers focused on improving facilities related to transportation, accommodation, and healthcare, reaffirming their commitment to provide pilgrims with a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience.

During his visit, Rijiju also held review meetings with officials from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to assess the progress of Haj-2026 preparations. He lauded their collaborative efforts with Saudi authorities to safeguard the welfare of Indian pilgrims.

The minister visited key Haj and Umrah sites in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and Haramain Station, and interacted with members of the Indian diaspora.

Calling the development a “significant step in deepening India-Saudi Arabia ties,” Rijiju posted on X, “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.”

The visit underscored the strengthening partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing mutual respect, cultural exchange, and community welfare. Rijiju was accompanied by Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs.