For Prelims: Hajj, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Bilateral Agreement
For Mains: International Relations: India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations; Governance: Ministry of Minority Affairs and welfare schemes
Source:
Hindustan
5 facts for one-day exams
SSC, railway, police and teaching exams ask direct questions like these.
- India and Saudi Arabia signed the 2027 Hajj agreement on 9 November 2026.
- India's Hajj quota for 2027 is 1,75,025.
- The Hajj quota in 2014 was 1,36,020.
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement in Jeddah.
- The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry for Hajj in India.
The news
India and Saudi Arabia on Monday signed a bilateral Hajj agreement for 2027, allowing 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims to undertake the annual pilgrimage. The agreement was signed in Jeddah after Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju held bilateral talks with Saudi Arabia's Hajj and Umrah Minister Tawfiq bin Fawzan Al Rabiah. The Indian consulate in Jeddah confirmed the development in a statement.
According to the consulate, the two ministers reviewed preparations for Hajj-2027, discussed measures to strengthen bilateral coordination and logistics support, and reiterated their shared commitment to ensuring a safe, smooth and convenient journey for Indian pilgrims. The Ministry of Minority Affairs said India's Hajj quota has risen from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025, and the same level has been maintained for 2027. Earlier, Rijiju attended the opening ceremony of the sixth Hajj Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah and participated in an official meeting of heads of delegations from various countries on Sunday.
Why in the news?
The bilateral Hajj agreement for 2027 was signed in Jeddah on Monday, fixing India's pilgrim quota at 1,75,025. The early signing gives Indian pilgrims clarity on travel plans and reflects the current state of India-Saudi Arabia ties.
What governs India's Hajj quota and pilgrimage?
The Hajj pilgrimage from India is administered under the Haj Committee Act, 2002, which established the Haj Committee of India as a statutory body to make arrangements for pilgrims. The quota of pilgrims India can send is determined through a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia, based on a formula linked to the Muslim population of each country, a system agreed upon by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been the nodal ministry for Hajj matters since its creation in 2006. In 2012, the Supreme Court of India directed the government to progressively reduce and eventually abolish the Haj subsidy, leading to its complete withdrawal by 2018.
How has India's Hajj quota moved since 2014?
India's Hajj quota has grown overall over the past decade. It stood at 1,36,020 in 2014 and rose to 1,75,025 by 2025, a level that has been retained for 2026 and 2027. The quota is negotiated annually between the two governments, with the Ministry of Minority Affairs as the nodal agency overseeing arrangements, including selection of pilgrims and logistics.
What does the early signing mean for pilgrims?
Signing the agreement in November 2026 for the 2027 season gives authorities and pilgrims a longer planning window. It allows the Hajj Committee of India and private tour operators to finalise flight bookings, accommodation and medical facilities well in advance. The maintained quota also ensures continuity and predictability for the large number of Indian applicants, though the actual number of pilgrims who travel will depend on the selection process and Saudi Arabia's final operational guidelines.
India's Hajj Quota Over Time
| Year | Quota |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1,36,020 |
| 2025 | 1,75,025 |
| 2027 | 1,75,025 |
Facts and terms for exams
- Hajj:
- An annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is mandatory for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable.
- Ministry of Minority Affairs:
- The Indian government ministry responsible for the welfare and development of religious and linguistic minorities, including the administration of Hajj arrangements.
- Bilateral Agreement:
- An agreement between two countries that outlines the terms of cooperation, in this case, the number of pilgrims and logistical arrangements for Hajj.
Why it matters for exams
Exams: SSC
Syllabus: International Relations: India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations; Governance: Ministry of Minority Affairs and welfare schemes
Common mistake: Examiners may confuse the Hajj quota for 2027 with the 2025 quota; both are 1,75,025. They may also wrongly state that the Ministry of External Affairs handles the Hajj agreement; the nodal ministry is the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Mains question
India's Hajj quota has increased from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025. Examine the diplomatic and welfare dimensions of India's Hajj arrangements with Saudi Arabia.
Stuck? Get it in one tap
Every year, India negotiates with Saudi Arabia on how many Muslims can go for Hajj. For 2027, the number is 1,75,025. This number has grown from 1,36,020 in 2014. The agreement was signed in Jeddah by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju. The Ministry of Minority Affairs handles the entire process of selecting pilgrims and arranging their travel.
- India and Saudi Arabia signed the 2027 Hajj agreement on 9 November 2026.
- India's Hajj quota for 2027 is 1,75,025.
- The Hajj quota in 2014 was 1,36,020.
- Union Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement in Jeddah.
- The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry for Hajj in India.
- International Relations: India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations
- Governance: Ministry of Minority Affairs and welfare schemes
Related concepts: Hajj, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Bilateral Agreement
Practice questions
Pick an answer, then read the explanation.
- Q1Easy
Which ministry is the nodal ministry for India's Hajj arrangements?
Explanation: The Ministry of Minority Affairs oversees the Hajj arrangements in India, including the negotiation of the bilateral quota with Saudi Arabia and the selection of pilgrims. The Ministry of External Affairs handles diplomatic relations but not the operational aspects of Hajj.
- Q2Hard
Consider the following statements regarding the India-Saudi Arabia Hajj agreement for 2027:
- 1.The agreement allows 1,75,025 Indian pilgrims to perform Hajj in 2027.
- 2.The Hajj quota for India in 2014 was 1,75,025.
- 3.The agreement was signed by Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Jeddah.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: the agreement allows 1,75,025 pilgrims. Statement 2 is incorrect: the quota in 2014 was 1,36,020, not 1,75,025. Statement 3 is correct: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement in Jeddah. Hence option C is correct.
- Q3Medium
What was India's Hajj quota in 2014?
Explanation: According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, India's Hajj quota in 2014 was 1,36,020. It increased to 1,75,025 in 2025. Options A and C are incorrect numbers, and option D is the current quota, not the 2014 figure.
- Q4Medium
What is the primary significance of signing the Hajj agreement well in advance for 2027?
Explanation: Signing the agreement early enables the Ministry of Minority Affairs and the Hajj Committee of India to plan flight schedules, book accommodation, arrange medical facilities, and process visas efficiently. It does not reduce airfare directly, increase the quota, or eliminate future talks.
Frequently asked questions
1. How many Indian pilgrims can perform Hajj in 2027?
1,75,025 Indian pilgrims can perform Hajj in 2027 under the bilateral agreement signed between India and Saudi Arabia.
2. Who signed the Hajj agreement for India?
Union Minister of Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju signed the agreement on behalf of India in Jeddah.
3. What was India's Hajj quota in 2014?
India's Hajj quota in 2014 was 1,36,020, which increased to 1,75,025 by 2025.
4. Which ministry handles Hajj arrangements in India?
The Ministry of Minority Affairs is the nodal ministry for Hajj arrangements in India.
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- Original9 November 2026 · Read story
