MAKKAH: Talmiz Ahmad, Indian Ambassador to the Kingdom, Saturday praised the Saudi authorities for the “best Haj ever”. He also welcomed the new developments including the Al-Jamarat Bridge, the Mashair Train, and the expansion taking place at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and at the Prophet's Mosque in Madina. “Haj 2010 is perhaps the best Haj ever in terms of safety and comfort of pilgrims,” Ahmad told Saudi Gazette. He added that the achievement was “particularly commendable” because of the record number of pilgrims who came this year. “The Saudi government has spent billions of riyals to provide better facilities and safety for pilgrims,” said Ahmad. He said 170,000 Indian pilgrims performed Haj this year – the highest number ever. Initially the agreement was for 160,000 but was increased as more Indian Muslims wished to perform Haj, said Ahmad. The ambassador wished King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, good health and thanked him for the services for the pilgrims. He added that under the King's reign, trade has been growing between the two countries. India is the fourth largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia. He added that under the King's reign, trade has been growing between the two countries. India is the fourth largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia mainly exports crude oil to India while the Kingdom imports automobiles, machinery, textiles and other products. King Abdullah paid a visit to India in January 2006. He was the Chief Guest at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. There are more than one million Indian expatriates working in Saudi Arabia.
