Jeddah, Aug 10: India and Saudi Arabia have begun technical and administrative coordination for Haj-2027, with officials discussing integration of their Haj portals and the use of emerging technologies to improve services for Indian pilgrims.
Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary of the Ministry of Minority Affairs, held discussions in Jeddah with Abdulaziz Al Mathami, Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation in Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Haj and Umrah, along with the Nusuk Masar team. The talks focused on integrating Indian and Saudi Haj portals to improve coordination and streamline services for pilgrims.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah said the discussions also examined the use of emerging technologies to further improve the Haj experience for Indian pilgrims.
Krishna, accompanied by Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri, also met Abdulaziz bin Abdul Rahim Wazzan, Deputy Minister for Haj and Umrah. The discussions focused on arrangements for pilgrims in Madinah, including accommodation, transportation, coordination and other essential pilgrimage-related services.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation and ensuring a smooth, safe and comfortable Haj-2027 for Indian pilgrims.
Earlier on Sunday, the Indian delegation also met Abdulfattah S. Mashat, Vice Minister for Haj and Umrah. The meeting covered preparations for Haj-2027, with discussions centred on strengthening cooperation, improving coordination and enhancing arrangements for Indian pilgrims.
The latest talks form part of a series of engagements between Indian and Saudi officials covering key aspects of the upcoming pilgrimage.
On Thursday, Krishna met Rumaih Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Vice Minister of Transport and Logistics Services, in Riyadh. The discussions covered arrangements for Haj flights and other transportation facilities for Indian pilgrims travelling for Haj-2027.
A day earlier, on Wednesday, Krishna met Nouf Suliman Alnumair, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation, in Riyadh. The two sides held comprehensive discussions on medical and health services for Indian pilgrims during the upcoming Haj.
The sequence of meetings has brought together officials responsible for digital services, pilgrimage arrangements, transport, accommodation, coordination and healthcare as India and Saudi Arabia work on preparations for Haj-2027.
The discussions on portal integration are aimed at improving coordination between the two countries’ systems, while the meetings on accommodation, transportation and health services address key arrangements involved in the pilgrimage.
The Indian delegation’s engagements in Jeddah and Riyadh underscore the focus on strengthening coordination between the two countries ahead of Haj-2027 and ensuring that Indian pilgrims receive smoother and more coordinated services during the pilgrimage.
