The historic visit saw the two countries sign 10 agreements and issue a Riyadh Declaration.
"We have agreed to impart a strategic character to our relations, " the premier told the members of the Shoura Council.
Singh, who signed the Riyadh Declaration with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Sunday, said that his dialogue with the monarch and his meetings with the other leaders had led to the reaffirmation of close bilateral ties and common interests. He pointed out that the Delhi Declaration that he signed with King Abdullah in 2006 enshrined the shared vision of a new relationship. "Our two countries pledged to work, not just for the development and prosperity of our peoples, but for the security and peace of the region as a whole."
The premier said: “India regards Saudi Arabia as a pillar of stability in the Gulf region. Under the enlightened and sagacious leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, the Kingdom has taken rapid strides toward modernization. Its influence today extends far beyond the region.”
"As I stand before you, I am conscious of the wealth of history behind us, and the promise of new partnerships ahead of us," he said, recalling that Indian Muslim scholars had gone to Makkah to learn Islamic theology while Arab Muslim scholars came to India to learn mathematics, science, astronomy and philosophy.
Saudi Arabia is home to the largest Indian community abroad, numbering about 1.8 million. "Indian workers and professionals have participated in the extraordinary development of this region. Indeed, it would be difficult to identify a major project in this region with which Indians have not been involved in some way or the other," he noted, pointing out that around 165,000 Indian pilgrims perform Haj annually.
"Both our countries are today threatened by extremism and violence. The pursuit of terror in the name of religion or any other cause or grievance cannot be acceptable to civilized societies. It has no sanction in any religion," he said.
Speaking on regional issues, the Indian leader said the people of Palestine had been denied for far too long their just, legitimate and inalienable rights, including the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state.
Turning to the Indian Subcontinent, the prime minister said India wishes to live in peace and friendship with its neighbors. "I believe that all countries of South Asia should work to realize a common vision of peace and inclusive development for the region. We seek cooperative relations with Pakistan. Our objective is permanent peace because we recognize that we are bound together by a shared future. If there is cooperation between India and Pakistan, vast opportunities will open up for trade, travel and development that will create prosperity in both countries and in South Asia as a whole.
“But to realize this vision, Pakistan must act decisively against terrorism. If Pakistan cooperates with India, there is no problem that we cannot solve and we can walk the extra mile to open a new chapter in relations between our two countries," he said.
At the conclusion of his visit, King Saud University conferred an honorary doctorate on Singh. University Rector Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Othman presented the degree. A memorandum of understanding for cooperation was signed between the Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and King Saud University in the presence of the prime minister.
Speaking to community members at a reception held at the Indian Embassy later, Singh said that Indians are the largest overseas community in Saudi Arabia and that this was proof of the respect they have earned and the confidence put in them by the government and people of Saudi Arabia. "What is special and unique are the values that every Indian stands for which are the product of a 5000-year-old civilization. An Indian knows the meaning of respecting other's beliefs, customs and faiths. Pluralism and diversity are second nature to us. All this makes Indians tolerant and naturally inclined to harmonious peaceful coexistence. I have no doubt that you reflect these lofty values in your workplaces, homes and in social interactions." He concluded by saying, " I am returning to India confident that our relations with Saudi Arabia have been placed on a even sounder footing."
