India’s Minority Affairs Minister K. Rahman Khan yesterday called upon Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries to carry out more investment projects in India making use of growing opportunities in the country, often called the rising Asian giant.

Opening a conference on “India and Muslim World in the 21st Century,” he said India could set up multibillion-dollar hydrocarbon projects in Muslim countries.

“India is a major importer of hydrocarbon energy from the Gulf countries and the six million expatriates send billions of dollars to India in the form of remittances,” he said while highlighting Indo-GCC relations. “In the past, the West exploited both India and the Muslim world. The time has come for both regions to work together for the prosperity of our people,” he said.

Khan added: “In this era of globalization, India has opened its doors for investments in various sectors. It is a golden opportunity for Muslim countries, especially the Arab business community, to invest heavily in our country. The future for investment is Asia as the West is in the grip of economic recession.”

He also urged Islamic countries to focus on development and avoid conflicts. “The Muslim world should not become a victim of divide and rule policy. The end of Cold War has brought about a fundamental change in India’s policy toward the Middle East.”

The conference was attended by a large number foreign delegates. Abdul Rahman Al-Ghannam, assistant undersecretary at the Saudi Ministry of Islamic Affairs, highlighted the Kingdom’s services for pilgrims and its efforts in the development of the two holy mosques.