New Delhi: India and Saudi Arabia have finalised the bilateral Hajj Agreement for 2026, fixing India’s pilgrim quota at 175,025, officials confirmed Sunday.

Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement in Jeddah during a high-level delegation visit from November 7 to 9 with the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah.

The ministers also reviewed the ongoing Hajj preparations and discussed measures to enhance coordination, logistics, and facilities. Discussions focused on improving transportation, accommodation, healthcare services, and overall support infrastructure to facilitate a comfortable journey for the pilgrims.

Following their discussions, the two ministers signed the Bilateral Hajj Agreement for 2026 in Jeddah, confirming the country's quota of 175,025 Indian pilgrims. Rijiju also conducted internal review meetings with officials from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to assess the status of preparations.

The Minister praised the collaborative efforts between Indian officials and Saudi authorities to ensure the welfare and comfort of Indian Hajj pilgrims. Rijiju visited key Hajj infrastructure sites in Jeddah and Taif, including Terminal 1 and the Haramain Rail Station, to review facilities and logistics.

Calling the agreement a “significant step in deepening India–Saudi Arabia ties,” Rijiju said the discussions reaffirmed the shared commitment of both nations to providing a spiritually fulfilling Hajj journey.

Rijiju was accompanied by a high-level delegation from the Ministry of Minority Affairs, including Aseem R. Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf), and Ram Singh, Joint Secretary (Hajj).