ON the occasion of the 69th Independence Day of India, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians, persons of Indian Origin, and friends of India residing in the Western Province of Saudi Arabia. 

1. On this day we remember the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters and national leaders to liberate India from the clutches of colonial rule. 
 
2. India today is the largest democracy in the world and occupies a distinct place in the comity of nations. Independent India epitomizes pluralism and peaceful coexistence. Today India is among the top emerging economies in the world. India’s economic growth, achievements in the field of Science and Technology and inclusive growth programs have received wide appreciation from around the world.  

3. From time immemorial India and the Arabian Peninsula enjoy strong relations and people to people contact. 

The historic visit of late King Abdullah to India in 2006 followed by the signing of Delhi Declaration and the visit of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Saudi Arabia in 2010 followed by the signing of Riyadh Declaration elevated the level of our bilateral relationship to new heights. The Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, King Salman (as crown prince) visited India in February 2014 and met with the Indian leadership. During this visit, an MoU on defense cooperation was signed. Several Indian ministers have visited Saudi Arabia in the recent times.

4. Today a strong framework for strategic partnership exists between the two countries.  This relationship has led to a remarkable growth in bilateral trade relations which is valued at $36.61 billion for the year 2014-15. To supplement this Consulate successfully launched the ‘Make In India’ campaign in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia and this evoked enormous interest among Saudi investors. Commercial relations between India and Saudi Arabia have evolved beyond trade and numerous Saudi companies operate in India in sectors like steel, paper, chemicals, machinery, cement and BPO. Indian IT majors like TCS and Wipro have expanded their operations in Saudi Arabia and are implementing key projects in the Kingdom.

5. Haj is one of the largest congregations in the world and Saudi Arabia has always attached utmost importance to ensure that the arrangements for Haj are complete and foolproof. Last year, 136,000 Indian pilgrims performed Haj and left the Kingdom with a great sense of satisfaction. We are grateful for all the assistance and facilities provided by Saudi Arabia to the pilgrims. This year the Haj flights from India would start arriving on Aug. 16. Saudi Arabia has made elaborate arrangements to receive the pilgrims. The Consulate General of India is geared to receive the Indian pilgrims. The Consulate General of India would like to put on record its sincere appreciation to the entire team led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman for making all necessary arrangements for the Haj pilgrimage.

6. Indians form the largest expatriate population in Saudi Arabia and through hard work, dedication, discipline and law abiding nature, have earned the goodwill of the host country. I take this opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of the Indian expatriate community in building a positive image of India in Saudi Arabia and in promoting India–Saudi relations.

7. The government of India has made it a priority to address issues related to the welfare of the Indian community members. For this, the government has set-up the MADAD portal to register and follow-up issues related to Indians living outside India. Several members of the Indian community living across the world have benefitted from this portal.
 
8. It is our endeavor to provide best and efficient services to the members of the Indian community and the Saudi Citizens who approach our office. The Consulate General of India, Jeddah remains committed to extend its best possible services to the Indian diaspora in the western province of Saudi Arabia. The well-being of the Indian community and fostering of strong relations with Saudi Arabia remain our top priority.
 
Jai Hind!

B.S. Mubarak

Consul General of India