Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju conveyed India's appreciation for Saudi Arabia's sustained commitment to the welfare of Haj pilgrims and reaffirmed the strong bilateral partnership aimed at ensuring a successful Haj 2027, the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah said on Monday, 9 November 2026. The minister was in Jeddah to attend the 6th Haj Conference and Exhibition 2027 and participate in the signing of the bilateral Haj agreement with Saudi Arabia.

Key Engagements at the Conference

Rijiju attended the Ministerial Conference chaired by Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Haj and Umrah, where he articulated India's gratitude for Riyadh's continued support. He was accompanied by Indian Consul General in Jeddah Fahad Suri and Joint Secretary (Haj) Mohammad Afzal. The delegation also attended the inaugural ceremony of the conference and exhibition, which is a key annual platform for coordinating Haj logistics and ministerial-level cooperation.

The Union Minister further joined visiting ministers from other countries in a formal interaction with Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Deputy Governor of the Mecca region — an engagement that underscores the diplomatic weight India's Haj delegation carries given the country's large pilgrim quota.

India–Saudi Haj Agreement and 2027 Preparations

One of the primary objectives of Rijiju's visit was to participate in the signing of the bilateral Haj agreement for 2027 and to review on-ground preparations for a safe and comfortable pilgrimage for Indian nationals. India is among the largest contributors of Haj pilgrims globally, making the annual agreement a matter of considerable diplomatic and logistical significance. Officials also reviewed safety protocols and infrastructure arrangements that will govern the movement of Indian pilgrims next year.

Minister's Posts on X and Cultural Visit

Following his official engagements, Rijiju shared updates on X (formerly Twitter), stating: 'Strengthening the India–Saudi Arabia partnership with a shared commitment to the welfare of pilgrims & the successful conduct of Haj 2027. Along with the Consul General of India in Jeddah, Shri Fahad Suri & JS (Haj), Shri Mohd. Afzal, attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Haj Conference & Exhibition 2027 in Jeddah, KSA. Participated in the Official Meeting of Heads of Delegation chaired by H.E. Dr. Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, Minister of Haj and Umrah, KSA.'

On Saturday, Rijiju attended an official dinner reception hosted by Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah, posting: 'Grateful for the warm hospitality & the opportunity to engage with dignitaries, reaffirming our shared commitment to serving pilgrims & enhancing the Haj experience.' He also visited the iconic Al Rahmah Mosque in Jeddah — widely known as the Floating Mosque — describing it as 'a remarkable place of spiritual significance and architectural beauty, reflecting the rich Islamic heritage of Saudi Arabia.'

Background: India–Saudi Haj Ties

The India–Saudi Arabia Haj partnership is one of the most institutionalised bilateral religious frameworks in the region, with annual agreements governing pilgrim quotas, accommodation, transport, and health services. This comes amid broader efforts by both countries to deepen ties across trade, energy, and diaspora welfare. The 6th Haj Conference and Exhibition serves as a multilateral coordination forum, drawing Haj ministers from dozens of Muslim-majority nations. India's active participation signals continued diplomatic investment in protecting the rights and comfort of its millions-strong Muslim pilgrim community.

Rijiju arrived in Jeddah on Friday, with the visit spanning official diplomatic meetings, conference sessions, and cultural engagements — a reflection of the multifaceted nature of India–Saudi cooperation on the Haj.