Haj quota cut: Centre faults pvt operators, PM Modi urged to intervene

India’s Haj quota has increased from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025, attributing it to the government's sustained engagement with Saudi Arabia over the years.

Political outrage erupted on Tuesday over reports suggesting that Saudi Arabia had drastically slashed India’s Haj quota, leaving over 52,000 Indian pilgrims — many of whom had already completed payments — in limbo.

The Centre, however, clarified later that the issue stemmed from private operators failing to meet critical deadlines set by Saudi authorities.

National Conference president and former Union minister Farooq Abdullah urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene personally, citing his rapport with the Saudi leadership.

"Every Muslim dreams of going on the Haj pilgrimage at least once in their lifetime. I request the Prime Minister to take up the matter as he is close to the Saudi leadership," Abdullah said in a statement to PTI.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed the concern, posting on microblogging X, “The reported cancellation of Hajj slots for over 52,000 Indian pilgrims, many of whom have already completed payments, is deeply concerning. I urge Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar to engage with the Saudi authorities at the earliest to explore a resolution.”

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti described the reported 80% cut in India’s private Haj quota as “disturbing,” adding that the abrupt decision had triggered widespread distress among pilgrims and tour operators.

“Urge the Ministry of External Affairs to immediately intervene by taking up this matter with the Saudi government to seek a resolution,” she posted on X.

Congress leader and general secretary Syed Naseer Hussain also voiced shock over the reported cancellations, demanding that the Ministry of External Affairs step in urgently.

“India’s large Muslim population deserves a larger number of slots,” he added.

Amid the mounting criticism, the Ministry of Minority Affairs (MoMA) on Tuesday clarified that the quota for private tour operators — 52,507 out of India’s total allotment of 1,75,025 Haj slots — was jeopardised due to non-compliance by Combined Haj Group Operators (CHGOs).

The CHGOs, formed this year by consolidating over 800 private operators into 26 legal entities, reportedly failed to finalise mandatory contracts related to accommodation, transport, and Mina camp bookings within Saudi Arabia’s stipulated timelines, despite repeated reminders from the ministry.

The ministry stated that the bulk of India’s quota — 1,22,518 — managed by the Haj Committee of India had been executed on schedule, including flights, transportation, and accommodation logistics.

Due to the Indian government’s intervention, the Saudi Haj Ministry has now agreed to reopen the Nusuk Haj Portal for CHGOs to complete arrangements for up to 10,000 pilgrims, depending on space availability in Mina — the critical site for several core Haj rituals.

Saudi authorities reportedly cited concerns over safety due to extreme summer heat and limited capacity in Mina, noting that delays by private operators led to unavailability of essential services.

“They [Saudi Arabia] have underlined that they are not extending the timelines for any country this year,” the ministry stated.

While India continues to engage diplomatically at the ministerial level, the government added that any further increase in accommodation capacity would depend on the Saudi government’s discretion.

The ministry also highlighted that India’s Haj quota has increased from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025, attributing it to the government's sustained engagement with Saudi Arabia over the years.