India, Saudi Arabia Sign 2027 Hajj Agreement; India Gets Quota of 175,025 Pilgrims
Jeddah: India and Saudi Arabia have signed the bilateral Hajj Agreement for the 2027 pilgrimage season, with the Kingdom allocating a quota of 175,025 pilgrims to India. The agreement marks an important milestone in preparations for next year’s pilgrimage and reinforces cooperation between the two countries in ensuring the welfare of Indian pilgrims.
The agreement was signed on Monday (November 9) following a bilateral meeting between Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, in Jeddah.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2027, an international gathering bringing together governmental and non-governmental representatives from countries participating in the annual pilgrimage. The discussions focused on preparations for Hajj 2027, including operational arrangements, logistical support and measures to strengthen coordination between the two sides.
Minister Rijiju with Saudi officials
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mr. Vipul, and Consul General of India in Jeddah, Mr. Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, were also part of the Indian delegation’s engagements.
Both ministers reviewed the ongoing preparations and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for Indian Hajj pilgrims. The discussions also highlighted the importance of continued coordination between the authorities of both countries in managing the various aspects of the annual pilgrimage.
Minister Rijiju arrived in Saudi Arabia on Friday (November 6) on a four-day official visit. On Sunday, he attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and participated in a ministerial conference chaired by Dr. Al-Rabiah. He conveyed India’s appreciation for the Saudi leadership’s continued commitment to pilgrims’ welfare and reiterated India’s commitment to close bilateral cooperation for Hajj 2027.
He also joined other visiting ministers in an interaction with HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
During his visit, Rijiju also attended the ‘Noor-e-Diwali’ celebration organised by the Consulate General of India at India House in Jeddah on Sunday, where he interacted with Saudi friends and members of the Indian community.
Minister Rijiju attends a Diwali event in Jeddah
The minister also chaired a review meeting with officials of the Consulate General of India, representatives of the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage season.
The Indian minister was accompanied by Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs.
