The Arabian Peninsula’s relations with the Indian Subcontinent is possibly as old as human civilization. Irrespective of the political nomenclature or the demographic and geographical boundaries, people from the Arab world have been traveling to India as merchants, travelers, intellectuals and religious scholars.
The present visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to India, after a gap of five decades, marks a virtual rediscovery in the intrinsic warmth of relations that have existed between the people of these two regions. The warm invitation extended to King Abdullah to be the chief guest on the occasion of the Republic Day of India is a true manifestation of the fast growing relations between the two countries.
The Kingdom’s relations with India are multifaceted with both countries sharing a mutual perception on various global and regional issues. These relations have been developed on the firm grounds of trust and cooperation on issues that may be political, economical, social and scientific cooperation.
On the political front, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India have shown a remarkable understanding on extremely important issues that include a shared vision of world peace, stability and justice.
On economic matters, the growth in bilateral relations has been phenomenal in the last decade. India is a source of long list of items for the Kingdom — be it agricultural products, engineering goods, services, technology to name a few. Similarly, the Kingdom is a reliable partner and an important source for crude oil and other derivatives, which are essential to fuel the rapid growth of India’s economy.
Not just material goods, but today over 1.6 million skilled and non-skilled Indians are present in Saudi Arabia earning good income and at the same time contributing immensely to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s economic development, which is highly appreciated by us.
Spurring this mutual embrace is not just the governments but the people of these two great nations. Private business between the Kingdom and India has witnessed a very sharp growth with the apex chambers of commerce from both countries leading the march. A large number of business delegations, individual business travelers, exhibitions and road shows have been witnessed, resulting in India’s emergence as a member of the Kingdom’s Top 10 trading partners.
Saudi Arabia is also a destination for Indians who visit the Kingdom for performing Haj and Umrah. The last five years would have witnessed over a few millions going to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah for performing their religious rites.
Similarly, India is rapidly growing as an important tourist destination for Saudis who aspire to visit India to see its beautiful mountains, rivers, flora and fauna, its innumerable historical monuments, savor the culinary delights and, most importantly, experience the traditional warmth of Indian hospitality.
The visit of the custodian of the two holy mosques will undoubtedly provide a strong impetus to the growth in bilateral relations. Agreements will be signed that will elevate the present bilateral relations from a formal handshake to a friendly embrace. The visit will prove to be historical in the annals of regional cooperation thus bringing two very geopolitically important nations closer than ever.
Saleh Mohammed Al-Ghamdi
Saudi Ambassador to India
New Delhi
