The new registration service will be launched shortly, first through the consular wings, said Rao, while unveiling his plans and policies that will mainly focus on how to boost Indo-Saudi relations further and serving the Indian community.

Rao was speaking during a reception hosted in his honor Thursday night at the Riyadh Palace Hotel, which he attended with wife Asiya Hamid Rao. Diplomats, community leaders and businessmen attended the event.

Rao said the comprehensive registration of all Indians will help the mission render consular services and address grievances.

He paid tribute to the community, promoting the strides made by Indians in the Kingdom. He assured the community he would extend all possible help and seriously consider suggestions.

He expressed happiness over progressively growing relations between Riyadh and New Delhi and said there was a good synergy between Saudi and Indian businesses.

“More than 2 million Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia have been sending sizeable remittances back home,” said the envoy, adding that India ranks as the fourth largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia with two-way trade exceeding $25 billion last year. The community’s accomplishments and achievements have caught the imagination of the country and the world, he said.

He said this was because of the “reputation you have established for discipline, diligence and the determination” to succeed, adding that he would strive hard to fulfill the aspirations of his compatriots.

He added that Indians in the country have contributed toward advancing bilateral ties. He said the Kingdom was like home. He lauded the efforts of Indians who have contributed and played a significant role in the cementing of bilateral ties.