Jeddah, Aug 2026 : India and Saudi Arabia have stepped up preparations for Haj-2027, with senior officials discussing the integration of pilgrimage portals and the use of emerging technologies to improve coordination and services for Indian pilgrims.
Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, on Sunday met Abdulaziz Al Mathami, Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah. The meeting focused on technical integration between Indian and Saudi Haj portals and ways to streamline services for pilgrims.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said Krishna, accompanied by Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, also held discussions with officials from the Nusuk Masar team. The talks explored how digital technologies could strengthen coordination between the two countries and make various stages of the pilgrimage more efficient.
The delegation subsequently met Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahim Wazzan, Deputy Minister for Haj and Umrah, where discussions centred on improving the experience of Indian pilgrims in Madinah.
Particular attention was given to accommodation, transportation, coordination between authorities and other essential arrangements required during the pilgrimage. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation and ensuring that Haj-2027 is conducted smoothly, safely and comfortably for Indian pilgrims.
Earlier in the day, the Indian delegation also met Abdulfattah S. Mashat, Vice Minister for Haj and Umrah. The discussions covered preparations for the upcoming Haj season, with emphasis on closer cooperation, improved coordination and strengthening arrangements for Indian pilgrims.
The latest meetings are part of a series of high-level engagements between Indian and Saudi officials ahead of Haj-2027. During his visit, Krishna has held discussions with several senior Saudi officials covering transportation, logistics, healthcare and digital services.
On Thursday, the Secretary met Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, in Riyadh. The two sides discussed arrangements for Haj flights as well as other transportation facilities that will be required for Indian pilgrims during Haj-2027.
A day earlier, Krishna met Nouf Suliman Alnumair, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation in Riyadh. Their discussions focused on medical and healthcare services for Indian pilgrims during the forthcoming Haj.
The series of meetings highlights India’s efforts to strengthen coordination with Saudi authorities well in advance of the pilgrimage. With a large number of Indian Muslims undertaking Haj every year, efficient arrangements covering travel, accommodation, transportation, healthcare and digital services remain a key priority.
The planned integration of digital platforms is expected to further simplify access to pilgrimage-related services and improve coordination between Indian authorities, Saudi agencies and pilgrims.
