India and Saudi Arabia Set Haj 2027 Quota at 1,75,025

India and Saudi Arabia signed their bilateral Haj Agreement for 2027 in Jeddah on 9 November 2026, confirming a quota of 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims. The quota has remained unchanged since 2025.

Agreement and preparations

India’s Union Minister for Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, signed the agreement with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al-Rabiah. Rijiju visited Saudi Arabia from 6 to 9 November. At their meeting, the ministers reviewed preparations and discussed coordination and logistical support for a safe and comfortable pilgrimage.

On 8 November, Rijiju attended the inaugural ceremony of the 6th Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah and a ministerial conference chaired by Al-Rabiah. He also reviewed preparations with officials of the Indian Consulate, the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Haj Committee of India. The consulate said the visit reaffirmed cooperation on Haj management, pilgrims’ welfare, cultural exchange and people-to-people ties.

Haj and quota allocation

Haj is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca, undertaken in the 12th month of the Islamic calendar. It is obligatory once in a lifetime for adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable. Saudi Arabia sets annual country quotas, generally based on Muslim population and in consultation with national governments, to manage capacity at the holy sites.

Important Facts for Exams

• State quota allocation: The Haj Committee of India distributes its allotted quota among states according to Muslim population density, using the 2011 census.
• Statutory status of India’s Haj Committee: The Haj Committee of India is a statutory body established under the Haj Committee Act, 2002, and operates under the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs.
• Private Haj Group Organisers: India’s Haj arrangements also include approved Haj Group Organisers, private operators that provide package-based services alongside the government-run pilgrimage scheme.