Visit of the Hon'ble Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs of India to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Shri Kiren Rijiju, Hon'ble Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, paid an official visit to Saudi Arabia from 06-09 November 2026, accompanied by Shri Mohammad Afzal, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs.*

1. On 09 November 2026, the Hon'ble Minister held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Saudi Arabia, followed by the signing of the Bilateral Haj Agreement for Haj-2027 in Jeddah, under which a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims has been agreed for India. 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 Indian Haj pilgrims.*



2. On 08 November 2026, the Hon'ble Minister 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.*



3. During the visit, the Hon'ble Minister attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House, Jeddah, where he interacted with Saudi friend and members of Indian community in Western Saudi Arabia. He 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, and appreciated the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.*



4. The visit further strengthened the longstanding India–Saudi Arabia partnership, reaffirming the shared commitment to enhanced bilateral cooperation in Haj management, pilgrims' welfare, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.*
(09.11.2026)