Embarking on a golden voyage in Indo-Saudi relations
With their strategic vision and collaborative framework, Saudi Arabia and India hold the promise of unlocking new growth opportunities for the two countries and the broader region, while “India plays an active and constructive role in shaping a better, more sustainable future for the global community.” “India will work with our international partners, including Saudi Arabia, to contribute to a world of peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth,” said Dr. Suhel Ejaz Khan, Indian ambassador here Sunday night.
Ambassador Khan was speaking at a reception hosted by the Indian embassy on the occasion of the Republic Day of India here. On behalf of the Saudi government, Prince Dr. Faisal Bin Abdulaziz Bin Ayyaf, mayor of Riyadh, attended the function as chief guest. The reception saw the participation of over 600 distinguished guests including resident ambassadors, foreign diplomats, senior representatives from the Saudi government, businesses, think tanks, academia, media, and members of the Indian diaspora.
In his speech before cutting the cake with Riyadh Mayor Dr Ayyaf, Ambassador Dr. Khan said: “As we commemorate this day, I extend my warmest greetings to our distinguished guests, especially to the honorable representatives of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Your presence here today is a reflection of the deep and longstanding friendship between our two nations.” “India and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed strong ties for decades, built on shared interests in trade, energy, security, and people-to-people connections,” he added.
He said that India is determined to raise the level of wide-ranging bilateral cooperation and achieve tangible results under the able guidance of our leadership. India and Saudi Arabia have been and will continue to be partners for peace, prosperity, and progress. “Since the landmark meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and HRH Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister in 2023 in New Delhi, we have witnessed an intensive calendar of high-level bilateral exchanges, underpinned by the Strategic Partnership Council framework,” the envoy added.
To this end, it is important to note that a High-Level Task Force was launched to boost bilateral investment. The steady momentum of exchanges has enabled deeper cooperation across domains and fostered mutual understanding. “The economic and trade relationship continues to be a key pillar of our ties, as we explore new opportunities to build long-term partnerships,” said the diplomat, while referring to the Indian companies, which have maintained a strong presence across various sectors in Saudi Arabia and are playing a crucial role in the realization of Vision 2030.
Referring to the progressively growing relations in defense sector, he said: “Our enhanced defense cooperation is a symbol of our strategic partnership, enhancing regional security and a common vision for our role in the world. Over the last year we have celebrated many “firsts” - including the first ever official visit to India by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces Chief; the first ever Indian ministerial delegation in 12 years to visit Saudi Arabia; and the first ever bilateral Joint Land Force Exercise “Sada Tanseeq” held in India.”
Moreover, a shared love for culture brings our countries together, said Ambassador Dr. Khan. “From Bollywood cinema to yoga, music, and food we continue to be inspired by each other,” said the ambassador while expressing his happiness over the Indian participation in the annual Riyadh Season 2024, under the Global Harmony Initiative of the Saudi Government. “At the embassy, we organized second edition of week-long cultural extravaganza ‘Pravasi Parichay’ with the active participation of Indian diaspora,” he pointed out.
He further talked about the Indian workers, professionals, and businessmen, saying that the Indian diaspora is not only making a difference here but are also strengthening the ties between our two nations. Saudi Arabia is home for over 2.5 million Indian expatriates, representing more than 7.5 percent of the total Saudi population. In this context, it is important to note that Indian investments in the Kingdom have spiked in the recent years and have reached approximately $3 Billion (August 2023).
On the subject of the growth of Indian economy, Ambassador Dr. Khan said: “Over the last 76 years, India has achieved remarkable milestones, whether in the fields of technology, education, healthcare, or economic growth. Just last week, India became only the fourth country in the world to achieve an unmanned docking in space. Today, the Indian economy stands at nearly US$4 trillion, making it the world’s fifth-largest economy, with projections to become the third largest within five years.”
He emphasized that the country is “determined to build Viksit Bharat, a Developed India by 2047, the centenary of our independence, and to provide a high standard of living to our 1.4 billion citizens.” “On the international stage, India will play an active and constructive role in shaping a better, more sustainable future for the global community,” said Dr. Khan, adding that India will work with international partners, including Saudi Arabia, to contribute to a world of peace, prosperity, and inclusive growth.
The reception-cum-dinner at Cultural Palace in DQ here was preceded in the morning by unfurling of Indian national flag by Ambassador Khan at the premises of the Indian embassy with enthusiastic participation of nearly 600 people that included members of the Indian community, embassy officials, and media persons. On this occasion, the ambassador read out the message of the Indian president. In his remarks, Dr Khan highlighted the significant contribution of Indian diaspora towards making the India-Saudi Arabia relationship strong and vibrant.
The remarks were followed by diverse cultural performances by school children and Indian community members. The ambassador, on this occasion, also felicitated Dr. Syed Anwar Khursheed, who was recently conferred the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the President of India. Further, the top-scorers of Bharat Ko Janiye quiz and the performers of cultural event received certificates from the ambassador and his spouse.
