India Secures 1.75 Lakh Haj Pilgrim Quota For 2027 Under New Saudi Arabia Agreement

India has secured a quota of 1,75,025 pilgrims for Haj 2027 after signing a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia, ensuring that the same number of Indian Muslims will be eligible to undertake the annual pilgrimage to Mecca next year.

The agreement was signed in Jeddah on November 9 following a meeting between Union Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and Saudi Arabia's Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah. The Indian Consulate in Jeddah confirmed the agreement, stating that both sides reviewed preparations for Haj 2027 and discussed ways to strengthen coordination and logistical support.

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth and comfortable pilgrimage for Indian devotees.

Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam and is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking the journey. The pilgrimage takes place during the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar and involves a series of religious rituals performed over five to six days.

Saudi Arabia determines annual Haj quotas for countries to regulate the number of pilgrims visiting Mecca, considering the limited capacity and facilities at the holy sites. Allocations are generally based on the Muslim population of each country and finalised in consultation with respective governments.

According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, India's Haj quota increased from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025. However, the allocation has remained unchanged for 2026 and 2027.

Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from November 6 to 9, accompanied by Joint Secretary (Haj) Mohammad Afzal and other officials. On November 8, he attended the inauguration of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah and participated in a ministerial conference chaired by Al Rabiah. He also interacted with Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.

During the visit, Rijiju chaired a review meeting with officials from the Indian Consulate, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India to assess preparations for the 2027 pilgrimage. He also attended the Noor-e-Diwali celebration at India House in Jeddah, where he interacted with members of the Indian community.

The minister said his visit was aimed at strengthening the India-Saudi Arabia partnership, with a shared focus on pilgrims' welfare and the successful organisation of Haj 2027.

Both countries have reiterated their commitment to closer cooperation in Haj management, logistical arrangements, cultural exchange and the welfare of Indian pilgrims.