Saudi Arabia assures India on facilities for Haj pilgrims

Saudi Arabia today assured India to look into all issues regarding facilities for Indian Haj pilgrims, including raising the number of seats for Muslims from the country during the key religious function.

External affairs minister SM Krishna, who arrived here today on an official visit, discussed the entire gamut of bilateral issues with top Saudi officials.

The government of Saudi Arabia assured India to look into issues regarding facilities for the Indian pilgrims. It agreed to look into the request of Krishna to raise the quota for Indians to 2,00,000 seats during the Haj.

An estimated 1,50,000 Muslims go for Haj every year from India. Haj Committee holds a draw to prepare a final list amid growing demand to raise the number of Indian Muslims allowed to go for Haj.

Krishna is also expected to meet with Indian community leaders in Jeddah.