Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju conducted an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 6-9, 2026, accompanied by a delegation including the Joint Secretary (Haj) from the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the CEO of the Haj Committee of India.
On November 9, 2026, Minister Rijiju held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, at the Jeddah Superdome. The meeting included the Ambassador of India to KSA and focused on arrangements for Haj-2027. Both ministers reviewed ongoing preparations, discussed measures to strengthen bilateral coordination and logistical support, and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth, and comfortable pilgrimage for Indian Haj pilgrims. Following the discussions, the two countries signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj-2027, which confirmed India's country quota at 175,025 pilgrims.
The ministers emphasized that the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia is built on historical ties and people-to-people connections. Minister Rijiju appreciated the successful conduct of Haj-2026 and assured Saudi authorities of India's full cooperation for Haj-2027.
On November 8, 2026, Minister Rijiju attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition and participated in the Ministerial Conference chaired by Dr. Al-Rabiah. He conveyed India's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's commitment to pilgrim welfare and reaffirmed India's commitment to close bilateral cooperation. He also interacted with HRH Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
During the visit, Minister Rijiju attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House in Jeddah, where he interacted with members of the Indian community and officials. He appreciated the Indian diaspora's role in strengthening bilateral ties and chaired a review meeting with officials from the Consulate General of India, Ministry of Minority Affairs, and Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for Haj-2027. The visit included inspections of key Haj-related and cultural sites in Jeddah, marking a strengthening of the India-Saudi Arabia partnership in Haj management, pilgrim welfare, and cultural exchange.