India and Saudi Arabia signed the Haj 2027 agreement in Jeddah. The pact retains India's quota while prioritising coordination, logistics and pilgrim welfare.Saudi Arabia keeps India's Haj quota unchanged at 1.75 lakh for 2027Dubai,Nov 9, 2026 23:13 ISTIndia and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed a bilateral Haj agreement for 2027, allowing 1,75,025 Indians to undertake the annual pilgrimage, PTI reported, citing the Indian Consulate in Jeddah.Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah signed the agreement in Jeddah after holding a bilateral meeting.“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,” the consulate said in a statement shared by PTI.Haj is an annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca that all physically and financially capable adult Muslims are required to undertake once in their lifetime.
It takes place in the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar and involves a series of mandatory rituals over five to six days. Saudi Arabia sets annual Haj quotas for countries because space and facilities at the holy sites are limited.
The quotas are generally based on each country's Muslim population and are decided by the Saudi authorities in consultation with the respective governments.According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, India's Haj quota rose from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025. The quota has remained unchanged this year and for 2027.
Rijiju, accompanied by Joint Secretary (Haj) Mohammad Afzal, visited Saudi Arabia from November 6 to 9. On Sunday, he attended the inaugural ceremony of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah and took part in a ministerial conference chaired by Al Rabiah.The minister conveyed India's appreciation for the Saudi leadership's continued commitment to pilgrims' welfare and reaffirmed New Delhi's commitment to close bilateral cooperation for Haj 2027, the consulate said.
He also joined visiting ministers for an interaction with Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.In a post on X, Rijiju said the visit was aimed at strengthening the India-Saudi Arabia partnership, with a shared commitment to pilgrims' welfare and the successful conduct of Haj 2027.During the visit, Rijiju attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House in Jeddah, where he interacted with Saudi friends and members of the Indian community in western Saudi Arabia.He also chaired a review meeting with officials of the Indian Consulate, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for Haj 2027. According to the consulate statement cited by PTI, Rijiju appreciated the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders.“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,” the consulate said.
The agreement retains India's Haj quota at 1,75,025 pilgrims for 2027, with both countries pledging close coordination for the pilgrimage.With PTI Inputs- Ends