New Delhi: India has signed a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2026, securing a quota of 175,025 pilgrims for the annual pilgrimage. The pact was signed by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah in Jeddah during Rijiju’s official visit to the Kingdom.
During their meeting, both ministers reviewed the progress of Hajj preparations and discussed ways to strengthen coordination and streamline logistical arrangements. The talks centred on enhancing facilities related to accommodation, transportation, and healthcare to ensure a safe and comfortable experience 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
Following the signing of the agreement, Rijiju chaired an internal review meeting with officials from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to assess the ongoing readiness for Hajj 2026. He commended the efforts of the Indian Mission and Consulate teams for working closely with Saudi authorities to improve services for pilgrims.
The minister also visited key Hajj and Umrah-related sites in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and the Haramain high-speed rail station, to gain firsthand insight into the infrastructure and facilities available. He interacted with members of the Indian community in both cities, appreciating their role in fostering India–Saudi relations.
To provide seamless HAJJ Facilities, I visited Haramain High Speed Railway Station at Jeddah. Had a brief ride on Jeddah to Makkah Train to check the over all situation. #Haj2026 pic.twitter.com/BosA9fSqcC
— Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) November 9, 2025
Rijiju noted that the signing of the agreement marks a major step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation and ensuring a spiritually fulfilling journey for Indian pilgrims.
The visit, he said, reflects the deepening friendship and mutual respect between India and Saudi Arabia, as well as their shared commitment to expanding collaboration in cultural exchange and community welfare.
The minister was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Hajj) in the Ministry of Minority Affairs. The visit was undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah.
