On Saturday, January 11, 2025, India’s Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju embarked on a significant five-day visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations and finalize arrangements for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage of 2025. A pivotal agenda for this trip includes India’s request for an additional 10,000 pilgrim quota, underscoring the nation’s commitment to accommodating its growing Muslim population’s religious aspirations.

India Saudi Arabia Hajj Collaboration

During his visit, Mr. Rijiju will engage in high-level discussions with key Saudi officials to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Indian Hajjis. On Monday, January 13, 2025, the Indian minister is set to meet Saudi Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah. The primary objective of this meeting is to sign a bilateral agreement for Hajj 2025, solidifying cooperation between the two nations in this critical cultural and religious undertaking.

In a pre-departure post on X (formerly Twitter), Mr. Rijiju expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I look forward to visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to sign the bilateral agreement on Hajj 2025 and strengthen the people-to-people ties between our two great nations.”

In addition to formal agreements, the minister’s itinerary includes discussions with Saleh Al Jasser, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services. These talks will focus on enhancing flight operations, bus services, and train connectivity for Indian pilgrims. Given the logistical complexity of managing over 1.75 lakh pilgrims, these improvements aim to streamline travel, reduce transit times, and ensure a comfortable journey.

A notable stop during Mr. Rijiju’s visit will be the Jeddah Haj Terminal, a facility dedicated to accommodating Indian pilgrims. This terminal, which serves as a gateway for Hajj travelers, has recently been upgraded with dedicated office spaces for facilitating services. Additionally, some Indian pilgrims use Terminal One at Jeddah Airport, which offers high-speed rail transit options, further enhancing connectivity to key Hajj locations.

India’s Hajj Quota: A Growing Demand

India’s current Hajj quota for 2025 stands at 1,75,025 pilgrims, as allocated by Saudi authorities. Recognizing the increasing demand, the Indian government has requested an additional 10,000 slots for this year’s pilgrimage. This move reflects India’s proactive approach to addressing its citizens’ spiritual needs while strengthening diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.

The distribution of Hajj quotas for 2025 has also undergone a significant policy shift. The Hajj Committee of India (HCoI) will manage 70% of the total quota, while the remaining 30% is allocated to private Hajj group organizers. This is a departure from the 2024 arrangement, where HCoI handled 80% of the quota, and private organizers were allotted 20%.

The revised Hajj policy for 2025 also introduces new priority categories to make the pilgrimage more inclusive. The priority order for this year is as follows: Senior citizens aged 65 and above and Women traveling without mehrams (male guardians). This shift in focus ensures that vulnerable groups and those with pressing needs receive the opportunity to embark on this spiritual journey.

India Saudi Arabia Cultural Ties

Mr. Rijiju’s visit is not limited to diplomatic discussions. His itinerary includes a spiritual dimension, emphasizing India’s respect for the Islamic faith and its cultural heritage. The minister will visit significant sites such as the Quba Mosque and Qublatain Mosque in Madina. These visits highlight the importance of fostering mutual respect and understanding between the two nations.

Moreover, Mr. Rijiju is scheduled to meet Prince Khalid Al Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Governor of Makkah Region and Chairman of the Central Hajj Committee, along with Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Governor of Madina. These meetings aim to deepen cooperation and ensure seamless arrangements for Indian pilgrims.

A vital aspect of Mr. Rijiju’s visit is his inspection of the Jeddah Haj Terminal, which has played a critical role in handling Indian pilgrims. The terminal’s dedicated facilities and services exemplify Saudi Arabia’s commitment to hosting millions of Hajjis annually. Additionally, with high-speed rail connectivity and other modern infrastructure, the terminal sets a benchmark for efficiency and hospitality.

India and Saudi Arabia share a long history of cultural and religious exchanges. The Hajj pilgrimage has been a cornerstone of this relationship, symbolizing the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations. Mr. Rijiju’s visit underscores the Indian government’s proactive efforts to strengthen these bonds and ensure a seamless experience for its citizens.

The five-day visit by Minority Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju marks a significant milestone in India-Saudi Arabia relations. By securing additional Hajj quotas, improving logistics, and fostering inclusive policies, the Indian government demonstrates its unwavering commitment to its citizens’ religious aspirations. This visit not only enhances the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims but also fortifies the cultural and diplomatic ties between the two nations, paving the way for future collaboration.