Jan. 26, 1950, the day on which India became a republic, was an important milestone in the history of our nation. As we celebrate the 55th anniversary of that historic event, I offer my warm greetings to all our friends in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to fellow Indians and persons of Indian origin residing in this beautiful country, which is the gateway to the two holiest cities — Makkah and Madinah.
In the past 55 years, the Indian republic has come a long way in consolidating its national unity, upholding the secular fabric of its national polity and making steady and significant progress in its economy.
While we celebrate these successes, our hearts go out to the families of the victims of the tsunami disaster which struck the eastern coast of India, as well as several regions in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Myanmar and Malaysia.
In these trying times, it has been India’s endeavor not only to wipe the tears of its own people but also those of others more adversely affected than us in our neighborhood. Indeed, we Indians are capable of lifting ourselves up from any calamity with courage, determination and dignity.
I am greatly indebted to all the individual philanthropists in the Kingdom as also Indian nationals and persons of Indian origin for whole-heatedly participating in the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction work of the government in the areas affected by the tsunami. I particularly thank our Saudi friends and well-wishers for expressing their concern and solidarity with us in this hour of need.
India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are determined to transform their historic people-to-people contacts and their robust trading links into a strong economic and strategic partnership based on mutual prosperity and progress.
Today India has emerged as the 4th largest market for Kingdom’s exports and the 9th major source for its global imports. India is today ranked as the sixth top ten foreign investors in the Kingdom, accounting for investments exceeding $400 million through its 39 wholly-owned companies and 30 joint ventures existing in the Kingdom.
This, undoubtedly, reflects India’s growing and unquestionable credibility in the eyes of the Saudi government.
The 1.4-million strong Indian Diaspora in Saudi Arabia constitutes not only the largest expatriate group in the Kingdom but also the largest concentration of Indian passport holders anywhere in the world. By their skills, dedication and sincerity the Indian community has made immense contribution toward strengthening of bilateral ties with the Kingdom.
On this august occasion, I would like to extend my warm greetings and wishes to all members of the Indian community resident here, and express the hope that they will continue to uphold the traditional values which have enriched our lives while living abroad.
Our shared ties of religion and traditions between Saudi Arabia and the 150 million strong Indian Muslims adds another important dimension to our relations with the Kingdom. Two of Islam’s holiest places, i.e. Makkah Al-Mukarramah and Madinah Al-Munawarrah are not only the objects of reverence for Muslims across the world but are also the destination of 127,000 Indian Haj pilgrims and over 60,000 Umrah pilgrims every year.
We in the Consulate General of India in Jeddah feel proud to be present here to assist our fellow citizens, with zeal and diligence, in the best possible manner while enhancing the ties between our host country and our homeland.
Jai Hind!
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Consul General