JEDDAH, 19 January 2006 — At a time when Europe and America are looking toward India as an emerging world economy, non-resident Indians could further improve the economic image of their country with a regular flow of investment, K. Rahman Khan, deputy chairman of Rajya Sabha (Parliament’s upper house) and leader of the 23-member Haj delegation, said yesterday.
“This is an additional responsibility on the part of the large 1.5 million Indian expatriate community across Saudi Arabia, particularly when Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah is visiting India as the chief guest at the Republic Day celebration on Jan. 26 and will be discussing a range of bilateral issues,” Khan told a press conference at the Trident Hotel here.
“The opening of the Kingdom’s economy, especially with its recent membership of the World Trade Organization, augurs well for India and both countries can come further close and take part in the development of both economies,” he said, adding that India enjoyed the status of being the “ultimate knowledge destination in the 21st century.” India’s leadership in the service industry could prove beneficial to the fast-paced Saudi economy.
Khan, who had a meeting with Haj Minister Dr. Fouad Al-Farsy earlier in the day, said they discussed issues related to the annual pilgrimage. “Al-Farsy particularly mentioned that countries sending their pilgrims should cooperate by giving them proper training and orientation,” Khan said.
Khan said he would strongly recommend to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh the urgent need to revamp the entire Haj management system.
“Difficulties experienced by Indian pilgrims are much more so, as they come from different states with varied languages and food habits,” he said.
Khan, who was accompanied by Imran Kidwai, chairman of the Congress party’s minority cell, Consul General Ausaf Sayeed, and Suhel Ajaz Khan, consul Haj, press and information, said 60 pilgrims were killed in the stampede at Mina last Thursday, and the bodies of 58 of them had been buried.