Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from November 7 to 9, 2025, upon invitation from H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. He was accompanied by Shri Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and Shri Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs.
On November 9, 2025, Shri Kiren Rijiju held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah. The Ministers reviewed Haj preparations, discussed coordination and logistical support, and streamlined the pilgrimage process for Indian pilgrims. Following the meeting, they signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Haj–2026 in Jeddah, securing a country quota of 175,025 for India.
During the visit, Shri Rijiju also held an internal review meeting with officials of the Embassy of India, Riyadh, and the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, to assess Haj–2026 preparations. He undertook field visits to key Haj and Umrah-related sites in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and Haramain Station in Jeddah. The visit marks an important milestone in the deepening partnership between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reflecting a shared commitment to expand cooperation across diverse fields, particularly in cultural exchange, and community welfare.
Key Entities Referenced
Bilateral Haj Agreement: Agreement between India and Saudi Arabia for Haj–2026 to streamline the pilgrimage process.
Ministry of Minority Affairs: Indian government ministry responsible for the visit and the Bilateral Haj Agreement.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: Host nation for the visit, the other party to the Bilateral Haj Agreement, and the location of the Haj pilgrimage.
Haj: The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, the subject of the Bilateral Haj Agreement.
India: One of the countries participating in the Bilateral Haj Agreement.
Ministry of Minority Affairs
Union Minister of Minority Affairs &
Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju visits
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Posted On: 09 NOV 2025 6:41PM by PIB Delhi
Union Minister of Minority Affairs & Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju was on official visit to
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from 07 to 09 November 2025. Shri Kiren Rijiju was accompanied
by a high-level delegation comprising Shri Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and
Shri Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs. The visit was undertaken at the
invitation of H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia.
2. On 09 November 2025, Union Minister, Shri Kiren Rijiju held a bilateral meeting with H.E.
Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, both the 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. The discussions focused on improving
facilities, transportation, accommodation, and health services to ensure a smooth and comfortable
pilgrimage experience. Following the meeting, the two sides signed the Bilateral Haj Agreement
between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Haj–2026 in Jeddah. The country quota for
India was confirmed at 175,025.Kiren Rijiju
@KirenRijiju·Follow
A significant step in deepening the India–Saudi Arabia ties
Held a Bilateral Meeting & signed the Bilateral Haj
Agreement with H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah,
Minister of Hajj & Umrah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Haj
Quota of 175,025 has been secured for Indian
Pilgrims Show more
6:41 PM · Nov 9, 2025
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Read 36 replies3. During the visit, the Hon’ble Minister also held an internal review meeting with officials of
the Embassy of India, Riyadh, and the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, to assess the ongoing
preparations for Haj–2026. He appreciated the efforts made by the Mission and the Consulate teams
in close coordination with Saudi authorities to ensure the welfare and comfort of Indian pilgrims. The
Minister also undertook field visits to key Haj and Umrah-related sites in Jeddah and Taif,
including Terminal 1 and Haramain Station in Jeddah, to gain firsthand insight into the infrastructure
and facilities available for pilgrims. He also interacted with some of the members of the Indian
diaspora in Jeddah and Taif.4. The visit marks an important milestone in the deepening partnership between India and the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It reflects the shared commitment of both nations to expand cooperation
across diverse fields, particularly in cultural exchange, and community welfare. The visit further
reinforced the spirit of friendship, mutual respect, and collaboration that continues to guide India–
Saudi Arabia relations, contributing positively to the welfare of pilgrims and the broader
strengthening of bilateral ties.
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