RIYADH: The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia — two traditionally friendly countries — has strengthened over the past decade into a strategic partnership incorporating greater political and security elements.
The visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Riyadh in April 2016 further bolstered the relationship, laying foundations for deeper ties and broadening the scope of the partnership.
This landmark visit, preceded by those of the late King Abdullah to India and the then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Saudi Arabia, laid the foundation of a strong strategic partnership and supplied the momentum to the relationship.
Agreements signed during these high-profile state visits underlined the need to focus on five pillars of cooperation: Trade and investment; energy; overseas employment; defense and security; and cultural interaction.
Undoubtedly in recent years India and Saudi Arabia have shared a healthy bilateral accord based on mutual interests — extensive trade, energy imports, cultural contacts and growing security cooperation.
Since taking power in 2014, the Modi government gave revewed vigor to this drive, prioritizing key areas of mutual benefit, promising well for growth in Saudi-Indo relations.
Through his visits to the major Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Modi revitalized India’s relations with the entire Gulf and extended region.
Currently, India-Saudi relations revolve around the key areas of trade and investment and defense and security cooperation.
In an interview with Arab News last week, Indian Ambassador Ahmad Javed, said: “The Indian economy remains the oasis of growth and stability in the global scenario, and it is growing steadily at seven percent.”
He pointed out that “several major MNCs see India as a land of potential and opportunities and are keen to invest in India, Saudi MNCs are no exception.”
Ambassador Javed noted that Saudi Aramco has opened its office Aramco Asia India Ltd. in India recently.
The Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) also has a huge presence in India.
“On the whole, India welcomes the world to explore the economic opportunities our nation has to offer, and we expect Saudi Arabia to be the foremost country to reap the benefits,” he added, mentioning the cordial relations between the two countries and their centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties.
Referring to the genesis of Saudi-Indian relations, he said that the high-level visits from both sides had paved the way.
The historic visit by King Saud to India in 1955, following Crown Prince Faisal’s preparatory visit, and the reciprocal visit by Jawaharlal Nehru, first prime minister of independent India, to the Kingdom in 1956, laid strong foundations.
The visit of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Saudi Arabia in 1982 further boosted relations.
Saudi Arabia is India’s 4th largest trading partner and a major pillar of India’s energy security.
“India and Saudi Arabia, guided by their steadfast leadership, have embarked on an ambitious economic agenda… both have lots of potential and opportunities,” said the Indian envoy.
Investments are another important area where India looks to the Gulf countries, including the Kingdom, for foreign direct investments (FDIs) in its expanding market.
As the Modi government focuses on infrastructure and projecting India as a potential global manufacturing hub, Saudi Arabia has shown signs of being a major source of investments due to its large sovereign wealth fund.
From April 2000 to December 2016, Saudi companies invested $75 million in the Indian market.
While this is below other leading investors and its potential, it formed a significant part of the discussion during Modi’s Riyadh visit in April 2016 and his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Hangzhou, China, at the G-20 meeting that year.
“We look to tap the complementarities and assure development to both the sides,” said the diplomat, adding that the recent classification of yoga under sports and activities by Saudi authorities is expected to further enhance the cultural exchanges.
Referring to the energy cooperation between the two countries, he said Saudi Arabia continues to be a reliable source of India’s energy security.
“The increasing crude demand is to be met by a stronger partnership between India and its oil and gas suppliers (and potential investors), most preferably Saudi Arabia, to deliver an efficient and robust energy sector,” he observed.
In fact, New Delhi has invited Saudi Arabia to invest more in India’s burgeoning markets, encouraging Saudi companies to participate in projects creating mega-industrial manufacturing corridors and smart cities, as well as the Digital India technology and Start up India programs.
In reply to a question about Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ties with India, he said “the Gulf region holds a significant position in our political, commercial, security, energy and defense engagements.”
The total trade between India and GCC topped $100 billion in 2016-17, said the envoy, adding that the Gulf region is home to more than eight million Indian expatriates.
Largest group
“Indians form the largest group of expatriates in each of the GCC countries and have contributed to the remarkable economic transformation of these countries during the past five decades,” he added.
Speaking on key issues confronting the world today, Ambassador Javed said “terrorism continues to be one of the most serious threats to the international peace and security, undermining the social and economic development of the nation.”
He added: “India strongly condemns state-sponsored, cross-border terrorism and there can be no tolerance for states sheltering, training or financing terrorists.”
He said that the joint statement issued during the state visit of Prime Minister Modi underscores the commitment of Saudi and Indian leaders to strengthening cooperation in combatting terrorism bilaterally and within the UN.
“It is satisfying that the Kingdom and India have growing cooperation in the fight against terrorism, including exchange of information relating to terrorist activities,” he said.
Turning to the issue of climate change, he added: “India is deeply committed to the Paris Accord.
“Our prime minister has, on his personal initiative, launched the International Solar Alliance as witness to our abiding commitment.”
He also highlighted India’s position on sustainable development and eradicating global poverty.
Saudi Arabia, India strengthen strong bonds of friendship
Saudi Arabia, India strengthen strong bonds of friendship
Saudi FM meets US envoy to discuss developments in Lebanon
- Explored collaborative efforts to address challenges facing Lebanese people and in broader region
RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with Amos Hochstein, the US Special Envoy to Lebanon, on Sunday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Riyadh.
The meeting focused on regional issues, with particular attention given to the situation in Lebanon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Both sides exchanged views on recent developments and explored collaborative efforts to address the challenges facing the Lebanese people and the broader region, SPA added.
Also in attendance was Prince Yazid bin Mohammed bin Fahd Al-Farhan, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Lebanese Affairs, who contributed to the discussions.
Saudi leadership offers condolences after death of Jordan’s Princess Majda
- Princess Majda passed away in Amman on Jan. 3, the Royal Hashemite Court said
- Swedish-born princess was born Margaretha Inga Elisabeth Lind and became known as Princess Majda after her marriage.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent cables of condolences to the king of Jordan after the passing of Princess Majda Raad, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Jordan’s King Abdullah attended the funeral of Princess Majda, the wife of Prince Raad bin Zeid, at the Royal Cemetery on Friday, The Jordan Times reported.
Princess Majda passed away in Amman on Jan. 3, the Royal Hashemite Court said. The Swedish-born princess was born Margaretha Inga Elisabeth Lind and became known as Princess Majda after her marriage.
New community initiative brings Saudi artisans together for ‘Year of Handicrafts’
- Workshops held for aspiring artisans and crafters
- Events will be held throughout the year
RIYADH: The Royal Institute for Traditional Arts launched a new community initiative on Saturday with a packed day of workshops and discussions with inspiring figures in the handicrafts field.
As 2025 kicks off with the Ministry of Culture labeling it the “Year of Handicrafts,” TRITA aims to bring a sense of camaraderie to artisans and aspiring crafters with its “Wrth Community,” which will host several events through the year.
Nermeen Al-Naimi, an artisan at TRITA, told Arab News: “Today, the community of Wrth started, so that’s very good for artisans because we are looking for somewhere we can belong.
“Wrth is the place we belong now with this community, it’s more like a second house for us because we exchange experiences, we exchange techniques and tools and stuff like that. It’s a growing kind of family, so we’re happy that they made this step today, and we’re grateful.”
(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
The six-hour event brought artisans at various levels and from various crafts together for a day of engagement through workshops on traditional crafting with wood, metals, clay, and stones.
Silversmiths Ayat Dhahi and Revan Abdulsabour shared their expertise on sculpting and formation, from design to implementation, while others, such as sculptor Helwa Al-Atawi, shared success stories of turning a passion into a career.
Jewelry designer Rughad Al-Hogail weighed in with her entrepreneurial experience of taking local crafts to international markets.
Al-Naimi is an instructor for jewelry manufacture and design, but came to the inaugural Wrth event as a student, signing up for a wood-carving workshop that allows participants to identify the types of traditional engravings in the Najd region, and producing a wooden coaster using the technique with a copper inlay.
“I decided to go back to wood because I did clay before, and I did metals before, so I wanted to incorporate wood in my designs …
“It has metal in it, so, the experience was amazing because I use metal combined with wood, combined with a little bit of this technique.”
Other workshops explored traditional engraving methods, their use in the manufacture of innovative products, and employing traditional engravings in contemporary art.
Al-Naimi works as a personal branding consultant, and part of her job is to help individuals realize their hopes and connect with ways to energize themselves.
“One of the things that makes me happy is working with my hands. So working with metal, with wood, it’s all a stress relief. Plus you make something beautiful.”
Al-Naimi joined TRITA about two years ago, working with metals, but quickly found that it was more than just a space to create.
“Here at the Royal Institute, it’s support all the way — for the trainers, for the products; they have an online store now,” she said. Here students’ creations are up for sale at the physical location and online, creating profitable opportunities for aspiring and established artisans.
Wrth Community aims to lead the revival and development handicrafts, linking them to modern design and technology, enhancing the participation of institutions and the local community to highlight the importance of traditional arts in defining cultural identity, while also equipping people with ways to create traditional arts in today’s market.
Wrth Community provides opportunities for artisans to meet, exchange knowledge and enhance personal and professional skills with a focus on education, crafts, entrepreneurship, and dialogue sessions. By creating a supportive environment, TRITA hopes to stimulate talent and creative individuals to learn and practice traditional arts and crafts.
TRITA is a pioneering organization that highlights the national identity and enriches Saudi traditional arts locally and globally, promoting them and recognizing pioneers in the fields of traditional arts. This contributes to the preservation of traditional arts by supporting national capabilities and talents while encouraging those interested in learning, mastering and developing them.
KSrelief and UNHCR officials discuss enhanced humanitarian support in Syria
- An estimated 6.8 million Syrians remain displaced within the country, while more than 5.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries
DAMASCUS: Officials from the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees met in Damascus on Sunday to discuss coordinated efforts to assist the Syrian people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The meeting, focused on bolstering humanitarian and relief operations in the region, was attended by Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Harees, charge d’affaires of the Saudi Embassy in Syria.
During the discussions, UNHCR officials praised their strategic partnership with KSrelief, highlighting the importance of their joint initiatives to support refugees and displaced persons in Syria.
Both parties also reiterated their commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to essential resources and services to live with dignity.
The humanitarian crisis in Syria remains one of the most pressing in the world, especially after the fall of Bashar Assad’s regime in December of last year, following over a decade of civil war.
Assad’s ouster came after years of intensified international sanctions and a lightning offensive across key cities by opposition militias, culminating in his government’s collapse.
An estimated 6.8 million Syrians remain displaced within the country, while more than 5.5 million have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as Turkiye, Lebanon, and Jordan.
Humanitarian organizations like KSrelief and UNHCR play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, providing essential aid such as food, shelter, and medical care.
In Syria, UNHCR has been a critical player in responding to the humanitarian crisis, assisting the millions of displaced Syrians and advocating for sustainable solutions to their plight. Its collaboration with partners such as KSrelief has been key to addressing the evolving needs of those affected by the conflict.
On Sunday, Fadi Al-Qasim, the Syrian Minister of Administrative Development in the transitional government, met with the KSrelief team in Damascus in the presence of Al-Harees.
During the meeting, they discussed strategies for delivering relief aid to support the Syrian people and civil society.
Al-Qasim expressed his gratitude to the KSrelief team for their generous assistance and praised the urgent humanitarian aid provided by Saudi Arabia to Syria.
Saudi minister receives British ambassador to Riyadh
- They discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton in Riyadh on Sunday.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and various topics of common interest, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq signed the condolence book honoring the life and legacy of former US President Jimmy Carter, the Embassy of Pakistan wrote on X on Sunday.
