By Mukesh 
Prevailing tension in West Asia that has continued despite the fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran will not deter the Indian pilgrims for the coming Haj season in Saudi Arabia, said officials in New Delhi on Friday (April 17, 2026). The first batch of Haj pilgrims this year will depart on April 18 from various embarkation points in India, said Aseem Mahajan, Additional Secretary (Gulf).
Mr. Mahajan said 1.75 lakh pilgrims were expected to undertake Haj in Saudi Arabia in the coming season that will stretch to the end of May. “Our embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah have been coordinating with the Ministry of Minority Affairs, and the Saudi authorities concerned, including the Ministry of Haj and Umrah. They are operationally ready to receive the pilgrims,” said Mr. Mahajan.