India and Saudi Arabia sign 2027 Hajj agreement, quota fixed for 1.75 lakh pilgrims

Riyadh: A bilateral agreement for Hajj 2027 has been signed between India and Saudi Arabia. Under this agreement, a total of 1 lakh 75 thousand 25 pilgrims from India will be able to perform Hajj next year. Union Minister for Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fozan Al-Rabiah, signed the agreement during a meeting in Jeddah. On this occasion, officials from both countries also reviewed the preparations and arrangements for Hajj 2027. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah, while informing about the agreement on the social media platform X, said that cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2027 has been further strengthened. Under the agreement, a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims has been secured for India.

According to the Consulate, the meeting between the two ministers involved discussions on various arrangements related to the Hajj journey, administrative priorities, and measures to ensure a safe, easy, and better journey for Indian pilgrims. Both sides emphasised the need to further strengthen mutual coordination and cooperation to provide better facilities to pilgrims during Hajj.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju arrived in Jeddah on Friday. The purpose of his visit was to participate in the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2027, sign the Hajj agreement with Saudi Arabia, and review the arrangements for Indian Hajj pilgrims next year. During his visit, Rijiju praised Saudi Arabia’s continuous efforts and commitment towards the welfare of Hajj pilgrims. Referring to the strong relations between India and Saudi Arabia, he also expressed the joint resolve of both countries to make Hajj 2027 a success.

Kiren Rijiju stated in a post on X that he participated in the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2027 held in Jeddah, along with Indian Consul General Fahad Suri and Joint Secretary (Hajj) Muhammad Afzal. He said that the partnership between India and Saudi Arabia is being further strengthened for the welfare of Hajj pilgrims and the successful conduct of Hajj 2027.

Earlier on Sunday, Kiren Rijiju also attended an official dinner hosted by Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Dr. Tawfiq bin Fozan Al-Rabiah. On this occasion, he thanked the Saudi authorities for the warm reception and the opportunity to meet various prominent personalities. He said that both countries have reaffirmed their joint resolve to better serve Hajj pilgrims and make their Hajj experience more pleasant.

During his visit to Jeddah, Kiren Rijiju also celebrated Diwali with Indian expatriates and prominent personalities of Saudi Arabia. An event in this regard was held at the residence of Indian Consul General Fahad Suri. Addressing the event, Rijiju said that he is happy to return to Jeddah and that his third visit here has also been memorable and purposeful.