Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], October 19: Former Indian diplomat Zikrur Rahman has highlighted the deepening ties between India and Saudi Arabia, noting that both countries have a lot in common. During an interview with ANI amid the ongoing India Week celebrations at Riyadh Season, Rahman shared his thoughts on the future of the bilateral relationship, calling it “very bright” and fueled by sincere collaboration.
Modi’s Visits Strengthen Bilateral Ties
Rahman credited Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visits to Saudi Arabia in 2016 and 2019 for significantly advancing relations between the two nations. *”The visits gave a substantial push to the relationship, which wasn’t as visible in the ’80s and ’90s,”* he explained.
Strategic and Comprehensive Agreements
In recent years, India and Saudi Arabia have signed numerous agreements, including strategic and comprehensive partnership treaties. These partnerships cover a wide range of sectors, from economy to culture. Rahman noted that regular council meetings are held to review the progress made in various areas and determine next steps. “Both countries are working sincerely to ensure the partnership grows stronger, benefiting regional stability and bilateral interests,” he said.
Culture as the Foundation of Closer Ties
During Riyadh Season’s India Week, Rahman stressed the critical role culture plays in bringing nations together. “Culture creates closeness, which then leads to economic and political collaboration,” Rahman said, citing examples like Bollywood’s influence and the popularity of Indian food in Saudi Arabia. According to Rahman, cultural exchanges pave the way for stronger political and economic relations, further boosting bilateral ties.
Shared Vision 2030: A Path to Greater Cooperation
Rahman also touched on the synergy between Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and India’s Vision 2030, led by Prime Minister Modi. He pointed out that both countries stand to benefit significantly from aligning their development goals. “The stability of this region is closely tied to India’s stability, and vice versa,” Rahman remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration for mutual growth and security.
Saudi Arabia’s Peaceful Approach in the Middle East
As tensions in the Middle East escalate due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Rahman, a former ambassador to Palestine, lauded Saudi Arabia’s consistent efforts to promote peace. He highlighted the Kingdom’s peaceful solutions to the Palestinian issue, citing the King Abdullah initiative, which advocated for the return of 1967-occupied territories. “Saudi Arabia has always supported non-violent resolutions,” Rahman noted.
The Real Issue: Occupation, Not Religion
Rahman also challenged the common perception that the Israel-Palestine conflict is a religious issue. “It’s not an Islamic or Arab issue—it’s about occupation,” he stated, adding that there are Jewish Palestinians who live peacefully in Palestine but reject moving to Israel. He criticized the international community for standing by as the conflict continues to claim lives, particularly women and children.
This well-rounded discussion by Zikrur Rahman highlights the promising future of India-Saudi relations, underpinned by shared values, cultural exchanges, and aligned strategic visions.