Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs , Shri Kiren Rijiju paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 06–09 November 2026. The Indian delegation included the Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs and the CEO, Haj Committee of India.
On 09 November 2026, the Union Minister held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at the Jeddah Superdome. The Ambassador of India to KSA and the Joint Secretary (Haj) participated in fruitful discussions on the arrangements for Haj-2027. The Ministers reviewed the ongoing preparations for Haj-2027, discussed measures to strengthen bilateral coordination and logistical support, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for each and every Indian Haj pilgrim. Following the meeting, the two sides signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Haj-2027 in Jeddah. The country quota for India was confirmed at 175,025.
Ministers noted that the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia rests on long-standing historical ties and deep people-to-people links, and reaffirmed the spirit of collaboration in ensuring a successful and comfortable Haj experience for every Indian pilgrim. The Hon’ble Minister appreciated the successful conduct of Haj-2026 and assured the Saudi side of India’s full cooperation for the successful conduct of Haj-2027.
On 08 November 2026, Shri Rijiju attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and participated in the Ministerial Conference chaired by H.E. Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia. He conveyed India’s appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s continued commitment to pilgrims’ welfare and reaffirmed India’s commitment to close bilateral cooperation for Haj-2027. He also joined visiting Ministers in an interaction with HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
During the visit, the Union Minister Shri Rijiju attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House, Jeddah, where he interacted with members of the Indian community and officials. He appreciated the Indian diaspora’s contribution in strengthening ties between the two nations, and commended their role as a living bridge of friendship and goodwill between India and Saudi Arabia. The Hon’ble Minister also chaired a review meeting with officials of the Consulate General of India, Ministry of Minority Affairs and Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for Haj-2027. He appreciated the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders and urged continued close coordination to ensure the comfort and welfare of Indian pilgrims. He also visited key Haj-related and cultural sites in Jeddah.
The visit marks a further strengthening of the longstanding India–Saudi Arabia partnership, reaffirming the shared commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation in Haj management, pilgrim’s welfare, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.
