Madinah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), January 6: As part of the Government of India’s early and proactive preparations for Haj 2026, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA), Dr. Chandra Shekhar Kumar, visited the Indian Haj Pilgrims Office (IHPO), Madinah, and reviewed the arrangements being put in place for Indian Haj pilgrims.

Dr Chandra Shekhar  undertook an on-ground assessment of key facilities, including pilgrim accommodations and medical facilities in Madinah, to ensure comfort, safety and quality services for Indian Hajis. The visit was part of an official delegation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for reviewing Haj preparations and holding bilateral meetings with the Saudi Haj Ministry. Secretary was accompanied by Consul General of India, Jeddah, Shri Fahad Ahmad Khan Suri, Joint Secretary (Haj), Ministry of Minority Affairs, Shri Ram Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Haj Committee of India, Shri Shahnavas, and Director (Haj), Shri Nazeem Ahmed.

During the visit, Haj Consul at the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, Ms. Sadaf Choudary, briefed the delegation on the arrangements being made for Indian Haj pilgrims and the coordination underway with Saudi authorities.

The Secretary emphasized that the Government of India is fully committed to facilitating Haj pilgrims from India in every possible manner, with a strong focus on advance planning, close coordination with Saudi authorities, and continuous monitoring of on-ground arrangements.

Highlighting the Ministry’s digital initiatives, Dr. Kumar noted that the Ministry of Minority Affairs is increasingly leveraging technology to enhance pilgrim convenience and service delivery. The Haj Suvidha App, developed by the Ministry, is a major step in this direction, providing transparent, efficient and pilgrim-centric digital services to Indian Hajis.

The visit reflects the Government’s sustained efforts to ensure a safe, smooth and spiritually fulfilling Haj experience for pilgrims from India during Haj 2026.

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