India’s quota for the Haj 2026 pilgrimage has been officially confirmed at 175,025 following the signing of a bilateral agreement between the two nations. Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju finalized the deal with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, in Jeddah on Sunday.
Rijiju was in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on an official visit from November 7 to 9. The visit culminated in a crucial bilateral meeting aimed at reviewing the preparations and ensuring a seamless experience for Indian pilgrims.
Focus on Streamlining the Pilgrimage
During their meeting in Jeddah, the two ministers engaged in comprehensive discussions focused on enhancing and streamlining the pilgrimage process. An official statement detailed that the talks covered:
- Reviewing ongoing Haj preparations.
- Discussing measures to enhance coordination and logistical support.
- Reaffirming a shared commitment to ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Specific areas of discussion included improving facilities, transportation, accommodation, and health services for the large contingent of Indian pilgrims.
Following the fruitful meeting, the two sides formally signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Haj–2026.
Internal Review and Field Visits
Minister Rijiju undertook several activities during his visit to personally assess the readiness for the upcoming Haj:
- Internal Review: He held a meeting with officials from the Embassy of India, Riyadh, and the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, to assess the progress of ongoing preparations for Haj–2026 and commended their efforts in coordinating with Saudi authorities.
- Field Visits: The Minister undertook firsthand field visits to key Haj and Umrah-related sites in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and the Haramain Station in Jeddah, to gain insight into the infrastructure and facilities available for pilgrims.
- Diaspora Interaction: Rijiju also interacted with members of the Indian diaspora in both Jeddah and Taif.
Deepening Bilateral Ties
In a post on the social media platform X, Minister Rijiju highlighted the significance of the agreement:
“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 for 2026.”
He concluded by noting that the discussions “reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to ensure a safe, seamless & spiritually fulfilling journey for all Haj pilgrims.” The visit, undertaken at the invitation of the Saudi Minister, reinforces the growing partnership and collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia in areas of cultural exchange and community welfare.
Rijiju was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary, and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary, from the Ministry of Minority Affairs.