At least 98 Indian pilgrims die of heatstroke during hajj, MEA clarifies amid conflicting reports

New Delhi: Amid the scorching heatwaves, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday confirmed the deaths of Indian nationals who were on the Hajj yatra in Saudi Arabia. MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, during a weekly press briefing, said at least 98 Indians died during the hajj pilgrim. The clarification from the MEA came amid multiple media reports claiming more than a hundred Indian nationals died during the holy month. He said that those died due to natural causes.