His Excellency, Ambassador of the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, Dr. Saud bin Mohammed Al Sati gave his keynote speech on Indo-Saudi Relations at CHSS (Centre for Human Security Studies), MCR HRDIT, Hyderabad and emphasised the importance of cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in a wide range of interests. The bilateral relation which earlier was based on traditional issues like oil and expatriate community has grown into much more multi-faceted relationship.
His Excellency also discussed much about the counter-terrorism cooperation between both our countries. He especially noted that there is a vital need to change the mindset of people in order to get rid of terrorism. He further went onto say that terrorist’s interpretation of Islam has no authenticity and Saudi Arabia is doing all it can to counter false narratives about Islam by conducting youth deradicalization programs and retraining the religious clerics in order to combat terrorism.
One of the most vital in our bilateral relationship is the people to people contact and would be playing a vital role in the 21st Asian century. His Excellency also noted the increase the flight frequency of airline passengers from 28,000 per week to 50,000 per week. This is a welcome step by India as Indians are the largest expatriate community in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia also sees India as a key partner in Vision 2030 envisioned by the Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman. This has been operationalised by the formation of the Strategic Partnership Council headed by Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
The event was organised by Dr. Ramesh Kanneganti, Founder & Executive Director of the Centre for Human Security Studies. The event was also co-chaired by multiple experienced government officials like the former DGP of SSB (Shastra Seema Bal), MV Krishna Rao IPS (Retd); former Union Secretary, K.Padmanabhaiah and Bhaskar Reddy, President at Andhra Pradesh Private Security Association.