Indo-Saudi Relations- Islam as a Major Factor

  • Heifa Shakri Asstt. Professor, Department of Arabic, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhli
Keywords: Major Factor, - Islam, Indo-Saudi, Relations, Language, Literature

Abstract

The nature of the Indo-Saudi relations is a well-known fact and the history of these relations dates back to time of establishment of the kingdom of the Saudi Arabia in 1932. India has traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations with the Arab world, especially with the kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Traders came from the Arabian Peninsula to exchange goods soon after Islam established its Khilafah in areas far and wide. There traders were a major link between the West Asia and the Mediterranean and the Indian coast. Over the years the cultural exchange and religious ties were established in addition to the relations in the fields of education, military technology, science and so on. The Saudi-Indo diplomatic relations were formally established in 1948 and upgraded fully in 1944. Saudi and Indian officials have reciprocated many friendly and strategic visits to each other. King Saud bin Abdul Aziz visited India in 1955. Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal also visited India in 1981. The next year, the Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited the kingdom. Prime Minister of India Indira Gandhi also made an important visit to the the kingdom in 1982. In Dec. 1994 the then Finance Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited Saudi Arabia for the meeting of the Indo-Saudi joint commission. King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz visited India in 2006. With the signing of the Delhi declaration in 2006 by king Abdullah begins a new era in Indo-Saudi relations. It is considered to be a land mark in the development of better understanding and cooperation between the two countries. The two countries are working together closely for the benefit of the people and for the peace and stability in the world. In my paper I will discuss the efforts being made from both the sides to bridge the gap between Saudi Arabia and India and to bring the two countries and its people closer focussing on Islam being a cultural factor that is common between India and Saudi Arabia and plays a key role in the relationship between the two countries.

Published
2015-07-01