Government Reviews Haj 2026 and Sets Priorities for Next Year

Rijiju expressed satisfaction with the management of Haj 2026, during which nearly 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims completed the pilgrimage.

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has begun preparations for Haj 2027 following a review meeting that assessed the successful conduct of Haj 2026 and outlined plans for the next pilgrimage season. The meeting, held at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi on 18 June 2026, was chaired by Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju. Senior officials from several ministries, including External Affairs, Civil Aviation, Health and Family Welfare, and Home Affairs, joined representatives from the Haj Committee of India and other key stakeholders.

Rijiju expressed satisfaction with the management of Haj 2026, during which nearly 1.75 lakh Indian pilgrims completed the pilgrimage. He credited the achievement to close coordination among government departments, the Haj Committee of India, State Haj Committees, the Indian Haj Mission in Saudi Arabia and Saudi authorities.

Indian Haj Mission Earns International Recognition

A major highlight of Haj 2026 was the international recognition received by the Indian Haj Mission. In a first for India, the mission won two prestigious Labbaytum Awards from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the category of "Best Haj Coordination and Communication".

The awards were presented during the Khitamahu Misk ceremony held at the conclusion of the Haj season and recognised India's efforts in providing efficient support, coordination and welfare services to pilgrims.

Several pilgrim-focused improvements were introduced this year. Sofa-cum-beds were provided in Mina to improve comfort during the most demanding days of the pilgrimage. Around 62,500 pilgrims travelled between Makkah and Madinah using the high-speed railway network, reducing travel time significantly.

Authorities also introduced hotel-style accommodation in Makkah and launched a 20-day Short Haj Package. The package attracted approximately 10,500 pilgrims, particularly working professionals seeking a shorter pilgrimage option.

Technology and AI to Shape Future Haj Operations

Technology played a larger role during Haj 2026, helping improve transparency, convenience and service delivery. Key initiatives included integration with Saudi Arabia's Nusuk platform, online flight booking systems and enhanced digital grievance redressal services. The review meeting also explored the future use of artificial intelligence to strengthen pilgrim management. Proposed measures include a 24-hour multilingual voice support system in Hindi, Urdu and regional languages, AI-assisted document verification, smarter flight allocation planning and real-time grievance monitoring.

Rijiju directed all ministries and agencies involved in Haj operations to begin preparations for Haj 2027 immediately. Areas identified for early planning include quota allocation, health requirements, flights, accommodation, transportation, Mina facilities, medical services and expanded use of technology.

The Minister said continued coordination with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah would be essential, with preparations expected to culminate in the signing of the Haj 2027 bilateral agreement between India and Saudi Arabia on 7 November 2026. He also announced that the Haj Policy 2027 will be released soon, after which the Haj Committee of India will begin accepting applications from prospective pilgrims.