in a major development, India’s Minister of Minority Affairs, Kiran Rijiju, signed the Haj Agreement 2025 with Saudi Arabia's Minister for Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah, during an official visit to Jeddah. The agreement ensures a quota of 175,025 Indian pilgrims for the upcoming Haj season, reflecting strengthened cooperation between the two nations.

High-Level Discussions to Enhance Pilgrimage Experience

Minister Rijiju engaged in a series of crucial meetings during his visit. In Riyadh, he met Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Transport & Logistic Services, to explore collaborative opportunities in transportation and logistics. These discussions included potential improvements in flight operations, as well as bus and train services for Indian pilgrims, aimed at ensuring a seamless travel experience.

Rijiju’s meeting with Dr. Al-Rabiah focused on initiatives to enhance facilities for Indian pilgrims. The talks highlighted India’s commitment to providing the best possible services for its Haj participants and emphasized the shared goal of further enriching the pilgrimage experience.

Visit to Jeddah Haj Terminal

As part of his itinerary, Rijiju is set to inspect the Jeddah Haj Terminal, a critical hub for Indian pilgrims. The terminal features a dedicated office space for Indian representatives to facilitate smoother operations. Additionally, some pilgrims transit through Terminal One of Jeddah Airport, which includes access to a high-speed rail service, further improving connectivity for the sacred journey.

Efforts for Additional Pilgrim Quota

India’s Haj quota for 2025, as fixed by Saudi Arabia, stands at 175,025 pilgrims. However, the Indian government has submitted a request for an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims to accommodate increased demand.

Visit to Madinah and Iconic Mosques

Rijiju’s agenda includes a visit to Madinah, where he will inspect arrangements and visit historic sites such as the mosques at Quba and Qiblatain. These iconic locations hold deep religious significance for pilgrims.

Strengthening Bilateral Ties

Rijiju will also meet prominent Saudi leaders, including Prince Khalid Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Advisor to King Salman and Governor of the Makkah Region, and Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Governor of Madinah. These engagements aim to fortify the long-standing friendship between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the context of Haj operations and services.

This year’s Haj agreement reflects a shared vision of enhancing the pilgrimage experience while fostering stronger ties between the two nations. With the secured quota and ongoing efforts to improve facilities, India aims to ensure a spiritually fulfilling and comfortable journey for its pilgrims.