New Delhi, April 19 -- The Ministry of External Affairs, during its special press briefing ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia, expressed gratitude towards Saudi Authorities for increasing the registration of Hajj pilgrims.

In his remarks, speaking about the Hajj pilgrimage, Misri said, "You are aware that over the last decade , government has actually accorded very high priority to consistently raise India's annual quota for pilgrims to be able to perform the Hajj pilgrimage."

"It is a result of India's sustained effort over a decade that the Hajj quota has increased," Misri informed.

Describing the manner in which the quota is handled he said, "Out of the total quota 175,000, the Ministry of Minority Affairs...