Hajj quota on agenda in Modi-MBS talks: What it means for India and how countries share the pilgrim cap

The PM noted that the IMEEC would not only enhance physical and digital connectivity but also develop resilient and dependable supply chains, boost trade accessibility, reduce costs, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit comes amid ongoing debates in India over the Hajj quota.

During their bilateral meeting, PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud are expected to discuss the Hajj quota issue along with other key matters.

This marks his third visit to the country and makes him the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Jeddah in 40 years.

Hajj quota on PM Modi's agenda 

PM Modi will also discuss issues relating to Hajj, including the quota for Indian pilgrims, during his meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud in the evening, PTI said, quoting highly placed sources.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan highlighted the importance of Hajj during the bilateral take, speaking to PTI, he said, “Hajj is a very important activity, and the Government of India gives it a lot of importance. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been organizing this activity.”

He noted that several key issues, including the Hajj quota, are expected to be discussed during the bilateral talks. “There has always been great coordination between the Saudi government and India on Hajj,” he added.

VIDEO | On possible discussion over Hajj between PM Modi and Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan says, "Hajj is a very important activity and the Government of India gives it a lot of importance. Ministry pic.twitter.com/g9Dabr2W2i
Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 21, 2025

The Ministry of Minority Affairs has reported that Saudi authorities have increased India's Hajj quota from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 for 2025. However, due to delays in contract agreements by Combined Hajj Group Operators, nearly 42,000 Indians may not be able to undertake the sacred pilgrimage this year.

The Government of India accords high priority to facilitating the Haj pilgrimage for Indian Muslims. Due to sustained efforts, India's Haj quota has risen from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025finalized annually by Saudi authorities.@PMOIndia @RijijuOffice @RijijuOffice Ministry of Minority Affairs (@MOMAIndia) April 15, 2025

What is Hajj quota? 

Hajj is one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the city of Mecca, taking place over six days in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, an official quota system was adopted by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in the 1980s, which Saudi Arabia has continued to follow ever since.

At the heart of the global Hajj management system is a simple yet effective formula: one pilgrim for every 1,000 Muslims in a country.

India, with a Muslim population of over 20 lakhs, was granted a Hajj quota of 1,75,025 for both 2023 and 2024 under a bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia.

This quota is split between the Hajj Committee of India, which oversees the government-run pilgrimage arrangements, and private tour operators who handle individual travel plans for pilgrims seeking a more customised experience.

The 2025 Hajj quota distribution for the top 10 countries, according to World Population Review is as follows:

• Indonesia: 221,000
• Pakistan: 180,000
• India: 175,025
• Bangladesh: 127,198
• Nigeria: 95,000
• Iran: 87,550
• Algeria: 41,300
• Turkey: 37,770
• Egypt: 35,375
• Sudan: 32,000

Why will 40,000 Indian pilgrims miss the Hajj in 2025? 

In an unexpected move, Saudi Arabia slashed India’s private Hajj quota by 80 percent, triggering widespread concern and disappointment among thousands preparing for their spiritual journey.

More than 42,000 Indian pilgrims are now at risk of missing the Hajj this year, largely due to delays by private tour operators in finalising essential arrangements. According to the Ministry of Minority Affairs, the Combined Hajj Group Operators (CHGOs) failed to secure contracts for accommodation, transportation, and Mina camps despite repeated reminders.

From India’s total Hajj quota of 175,025 for 2025—up from 136,020 in 2014—over 52,000 slots had been designated to private operators. However, a large portion of this allotment remains unused due to procedural lapses.

In response, the Indian government intervened, and Saudi authorities agreed to allow 10,000 pilgrims to travel through private operators—far fewer than initially planned.

This year, the Ministry merged over 800 operators into 26 CHGOs in an effort to streamline the process. But the delays have proved costly, leaving thousands of Indian pilgrims in uncertainty and distress.

Saudi Arabia suspends visas for 14 countries, including India

Saudi Arabia has temporarily halted the issuance of Umrah, business, and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, until mid-June 2025, coinciding with the end of the Hajj season. This move aims to address overcrowding and ensure safety during the pilgrimage.

The last day for issuing Umrah visas is set for April 13, 2025, and no new visas of these types will be granted until after Hajj concludes. The restrictions are part of tighter regulations to manage the influx of pilgrims and ensure proper registration for those undertaking the sacred journey.