As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of India’s Independence Day, I extend my best wishes and warm greetings to all Indians, Persons of Indian Origin and friends of India residing in the Western Province.
Over the years, India has emerged as an affirmed economic power and a protagonist for a multipolar world in global geopolitics. India has remained committed to combating international terrorism and promoting global peace and greater understanding among nations.
The ascent of India as an emerging economic and industrial power is an irreversible fact. India is now recognized as the world’s second-fastest growing major economy, with a sustained GDP growth rate of over 9 percent. India has also joined the select group of countries that have a GDP of over a trillion dollars. The continued inflow of huge investments by MNCs in diverse sectors of our economy is a pointer to the growing investor confidence in our country. The entire world is now looking at opportunities to engage with India in the field of economy and commerce.
India is keen to forge stronger economic alliances with emerging economies all over the world, including the GCC countries. The Gulf countries are one of the strongest trading partners of India that account for a total trade in excess of $20 billion and imports of oil and gas of an equal amount. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh had described the Gulf region as the ‘natural hinterland’ for India’s trade and the government of India has formulated a special ‘Look West Policy’ to give a further boost to India’s burgeoning relations with the Gulf countries. The bilateral relations between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have grown significantly since the landmark visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to India in January 2006. The bilateral trade and investments have since multiplied considerably and more and more entrepreneurs on either side are unveiling newer dimensions of economic cooperation for mutual benefit.
A greater understanding is also emerging between the civil societies of the two countries. The recent launching of the Saudi-India Friendship Society (SIFS) under the patronage of the Saudi Ministry of Information and Culture is a noteworthy step toward strengthening greater people-to-people dialogue. The forthcoming Saudi-India Interactive Dialogue (SIID) in November this year with the theme “Building Bridges — Economy, Culture and People: Missed Opportunities and Future Potential” points to the greater urge on both the sides to put political, economic and cultural relations between the two countries on a fast track.
The contribution of over 7 lakhs Indians residing and working in the Western Province to the economies of India as well as ,the host country is noteworthy. The Pravasi Associations and Expatriate Groups are complementing the efforts of the Consulate General of India in reaching out to thousands of our needy and lesser-privileged brethren spread over the nooks and corners of this country. The Consulate would like to acknowledge their contribution and look forward to such positive initiatives from different sections of the Indian community for the general good of all.
At the same time, the Consulate would like to appreciate the untiring efforts of senior Indian executives, professionals and entrepreneurs who have helped in significantly enhancing the image of India in the host country by their hard work and sincerity.
The Consulate General of India, Jeddah remains committed to extending its best possible services to the Indian Diaspora in the Western Province. The recent computerization of the Consular Section was our humble effort to effect qualitative improvement in the functioning of our public-dealing sections.
The consulate’s helping hand would always be available to every Indian in need.
Jai Hind!
Ausaf Sayeed
Consul General
India
