Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and the Saudi Haj minister have signed the bilateral Haj 2027 agreement in Jeddah, under which India has secured a pilgrim quota of 175,025 for next year's pilgrimage. The Indian Consulate General in Jeddah announced the outcome on X, saying the meeting reviewed operational priorities for 2027 and coordination on pilgrim safety. The quota gives Indian authorities a fixed number around which travel, accommodation and services for the 2027 season can be planned.
Rijiju arrived in Jeddah on a Friday in November 2026. His main purpose was to attend the 6th Haj Conference and Exhibition 2027, where the agreement was signed and arrangements for Indian pilgrims were reviewed. The visit combined the formal bilateral work with a review of the practical steps that the Indian side must take before the pilgrimage season begins.
On the diplomatic side, Rijiju praised the Saudi government's commitment to the welfare of pilgrims. Both countries reaffirmed their partnership on Haj 2027, a relationship that underpins the annual movement of Indian pilgrims to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah. Indian officials at the talks included Consul General Fahad Suri and JS (Haj) Mohd. Afzal, the senior official responsible for Haj matters at the Union government level.
On Saturday, Rijiju attended an official dinner hosted by the Saudi Haj minister, which gave the two sides a further setting for discussion beyond the formal sessions. The same visit included a Diwali celebration with the Indian diaspora in Jeddah, held at the residence of Consul General Suri. Saudi guests also attended the Diwali dinner, bringing the community and diplomatic functions together in one evening. Rijiju described this as his third visit to Jeddah, a sign of the continuing attention Indian ministers give to the Saudi relationship.
The announcements did not set out the specific operational measures planned for 2027, and no pilgrim logistics or timelines were detailed in the information released so far. Questions on flight arrangements, accommodation allocation and the schedule for pilgrim registration therefore remain open until the relevant Indian authorities publish further guidance for intending pilgrims.
Source: freepressjournal.in
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