India-Saudi Arabia ties growing stronger
Published: Aug 15, 2010 04:39 Updated: Aug 15, 2010 06:45
INDIA’s ties with the people of the Arabian Peninsula go back several millennia when sailors and merchants from South Asia and the Gulf used to cross the Indian Ocean in boats constructed with teak from Malabar. Our ancestors not only shared merchandise but, through this long and substantial contact, also exchanged ideas on culture, religion and society.
As a result of this rich exchange, today there is a remarkable cultural and social affinity between the people of India and the people of the Arabian Peninsula. These ties have continued to be refreshed and enriched over the centuries.
India used to fulfill most of the requirements of the people in the peninsula, including necessities like foodstuff and textiles, as well as luxury goods such as silk and jewelry, and in return imported dates and pearls.
Relations between India and Saudi Arabia have grown stronger over the centuries due to shared feelings of respect and regard between our peoples. India admired the efforts of King Abdul Aziz to unify the various tribes of the Arabian Peninsula and set up the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Indians also supported the great efforts made by King Abdul Aziz and the later rulers of the Kingdom to improve all aspects of Haj management so that pilgrims from across the world are able to perform their pilgrimage in safety and comfort.
The leaderships of both countries have also shown unwavering commitment to strengthen these historic bonds of friendship. Our high-level engagements commenced when King Saud visited India in 1955, followed, within a year, by the visit of Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to the Kingdom. Later visits were those of then Crown Prince Faisal to India in 1959 and of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1982.
However, it is the visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to India in January 2006, when he was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day, that the foundations of the contemporary relationship were laid.
Through the “Delhi Declaration” signed at the end of the visit, the two leaders committed themselves to pursuing a joint strategic vision to promote bilateral relations for mutual benefit as well as for the peace and security of the region as a whole.
Based on the road map set out in the Delhi Declaration, our bilateral relations have been strengthened since then with regular visits at ministerial level and stronger economic ties based on substantial trade relations and investments. Today, Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trade partner, with bilateral trade being valued at over $25 billion.
Indian investments in Saudi Arabia have also increased significantly since King Abdullah’s visit and today there are over 550 small and medium Indian enterprises in the Kingdom with a total value of more than $2.5 billion.
India and Saudi Arabia are witnessing a new and dynamic phase in their bilateral ties. There is increased cooperation in frontier technologies such as information services, biotechnology, nanotechnology and space. India has one of the largest scientific and technical pools of manpower in the world and is known for the excellence of its knowledge-based industries. The development of the knowledge economy promises to be a major joint endeavor.
A significant role in bringing the two countries together has been played by the Indian community, which has participated enthusiastically in all the major development projects in the Kingdom. It is not surprising that Indians, now numbering nearly two million, constitute the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom. In turn, the Kingdom is the largest source of crude oil for India, meeting 20 percent of India’s oil imports.
The visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Saudi Arabia in February 2010 was remarkable both in terms of atmosphere and spirit. During the visit, the prime minister had the honor of addressing the Shoura Council, where his speech was very warmly received by the Shoura members. An honorary doctorate was also conferred on him by King Saud University.
At the end of the visit, the two leaders signed the “Riyadh Declaration,” which articulates the similarity of assessment and approach of the two countries on regional and global issues, as also their commitment to promote bilateral ties in political, cultural, security, defense and economic areas.
New areas of cooperation, which the two countries will now pursue vigorously, include education, science and technology. The two countries are also expected to commit themselves to join forces to combat the scourge of extremism and violence, which constitute a threat to all countries in the region.
Soon after the visit of the Indian prime minister to the Kingdom, Prince Salman, governor of Riyadh, visited India carrying a message of friendship and good will. The visit was very important both on account of his stature in the government of the Kingdom as also the fact that the visit picked up on many of the points that had emerged as important elements in our bilateral relations in the political and economic fields.
This engagement of our two leaders and peoples forms part of historical ties that go back several millennia and have served to define our common culture and our societal values, and have encouraged a strong desire from both sides to work together for the common benefit of both countries.
Comments
STEPHANIE
Aug 15, 2010 18:33
Report abusetoo bad they are blinded by the mist of indian development which looks good on paper only
but hey they need to sell oil to survive. cant blame them.
the "Delhi Declaration" is now sitting in some Govt Office inside a glass shelf as a decoration piece.
DR.GOPINATH
Aug 16, 2010 00:28
Report abuseMP
Aug 19, 2010 16:56
Report abuse@STEPHANIE- Is someone paying you for spreading hatred? What is the basis for your allegations? How can you be a true muslim?
The problem lies the way you grewup.
When you are at home look at mirror and yell worthless.