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Rijiju, who was on an official visit to Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 9, held a bilateral meeting with Saudi Haj and Umrah Minister Taufiq bin Fauzan Al Rabia in Jeddah.
During the meeting, the two ministers reviewed the ongoing Haj preparations, discussed measures to enhance coordination and logistical support and reaffirmed their shared commitment to further streamline the pilgrimage process for Indian pilgrims, an official statement said.
The discussions focused on improving facilities, transportation, accommodation and health services to ensure a smooth and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
After the meeting, both sides signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Haj-2026 in Jeddah. The country’s quota for India was confirmed at 175,025, the statement said.
During the visit, Rijiju also held an internal review meeting with officials of the Embassy of India, Riyadh and Consulate General of India, Jeddah to assess the ongoing preparations for Haj-2026.
He appreciated the efforts made by the Mission and Consulate teams in close coordination with the Saudi authorities to ensure the welfare and comfort of the Indian pilgrims.
The statement said the minister also visited major Hajj and Umrah-related sites in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and Haramain Station in Jeddah, to gain first-hand knowledge of the infrastructure and facilities available for pilgrims.
He also interacted with some members of the Indian diaspora in Jeddah and Taif.
“An important step towards strengthening India-Saudi Arabia relations. Held a bilateral meeting and signed a bilateral Haj agreement with Dr. Tawfiq bin Fauzan Al-Rabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia. Haj quota of 175,025 has been secured for Indian pilgrims for 2026,” Rijiju said at the event.
“Our discussions on Hajj 2026 reaffirmed the shared commitment of both countries to ensure a safe, seamless and spiritually fulfilling journey for all Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
The statement said the visit is an important milestone in the deepening partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.
It reflects the shared commitment of both countries to expand cooperation in various fields, especially cultural exchange and community welfare.
The visit further strengthened the spirit of friendship, mutual respect and cooperation that guides India-Saudi Arabia relations, contributing positively to the welfare of pilgrims and strengthening bilateral relations at large.
Rijiju was accompanied by a high level delegation which included Asim R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs.
The visit was made on the invitation of the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister.