RIYADH: Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday for a crucial visit aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation on Haj management and overseeing preparations for the upcoming Haj 2026.
Rijiju’s visit underscores India’s commitment to ensuring a safe, transparent, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage for Indian Muslims under the Government of India’s Haj Policy Reforms Initiative, which has been consistently refined over the past decade.
He was warmly welcomed upon arrival by India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan and Consul General in Jeddah Fahad Suri. The visit comes as both nations prepare to sign the Annual Bilateral Haj Agreement, a cornerstone document that defines the number of pilgrims, logistical arrangements, and collaborative efforts between Indian and Saudi authorities for the smooth conduct of the Haj pilgrimage.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Rijiju posted: “Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to attend the Bilateral Haj Agreement signing with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to review preparations for Haj 2026. Warmly received at the airport by Suhel Ajaz Khan, Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, and Shri Fahad Suri, Consul General of India, Jeddah.”
Haj 2026 Application Drive Opened in July.
Earlier in July 2025, the Ministry of Minority Affairs initiated the Haj 2026 online application process, opening another spiritual gateway for thousands of Indian Muslims seeking to perform the sacred pilgrimage.
Applications were invited through the official website https://hajcommittee.gov.in and the ‘Haj Suvidha’ mobile app, available for both Android and iPhone users. The submission window remained open from July 7 to July 31, 2025 (until 11:59 p.m.).
The Ministry’s guidelines emphasized that applicants must carefully read all instructions before submission. A machine-readable Indian passport, issued on or before the last date of application and valid until December 31, 2026, was made mandatory for eligibility.
The Haj Committee of India also urged applicants to apply only after ensuring full preparedness, warning that cancellations—except in the unfortunate case of death or serious medical emergencies would result in penalties and financial loss.
India-Saudi Cooperation Deepens
The Bilateral Haj Agreement plays a vital role in shaping the operational framework for the annual pilgrimage. It determines quotas, air travel coordination, accommodation facilities in Makkah and Madinah, and medical and emergency services for Indian pilgrims.
India’s Haj Mission, the largest government-managed operation outside the country, coordinates with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah, local municipalities, and service agencies to ensure safety, comfort, and spiritual satisfaction for all pilgrims.
Over the past ten years, India has made remarkable strides in reforming the Haj process introducing digital platforms, direct flight connectivity, real-time monitoring systems, and women-friendly provisions, including the allowance for women to travel without a male guardian (Mehram) under specific conditions.
Officials say the upcoming Haj 2026 will build on these reforms, focusing on affordability, inclusivity, and efficiency through technology-driven facilitation and close coordination with Saudi authorities.
Modern Haj: A Model of Administrative Transparency
Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, the Indian Haj process has been transformed into one of the world’s most transparent and citizen-oriented systems. The introduction of digital lottery draws, cashless payments, and online grievance redressal has reduced intermediaries and enhanced trust among pilgrims.
The Ministry of Minority Affairs also continues to collaborate with the Civil Aviation Ministry and Health Ministry to expand medical support, flight operations, and accommodation networks across embarkation points in India.
As preparations for Haj 2026 gather pace, Rijiju’s visit to Saudi Arabia reaffirms India’s long-standing commitment to serving its pilgrims with dignity, safety, and devotion strengthening not only bilateral relations but also the shared values of faith and cooperation that bind the two nations.
-WNN
