The Embassy of India would like to take this opportunity to brief the esteemed media corps of Riyadh regarding various activities that have been undertaken by the Mission during the past one year. Ever since the historic visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques in January 2006, a discernible momentum has been generated resulting in intensification of bilateral activities from both sides.

     The Mission would also like to take this opportunity to brief the media regarding the forthcoming activities of the Mission.

     The media would be well aware that recently the Special Envoy of the Indian Prime Minister for West Asia and the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP), Ambassador C.R. Gharekhan, had visited the Kingdom. During his visit he had detailed discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister, HRH Prince Saud al Faisal, Secretary General of National Security Council, Prince Bandar bin Sultan, and he also interacted with Saudi think tank, media and prominent Indians. The visit was very well received and the Saudi leadership was extremely appreciative that the Government of India has nominated a Special Envoy for MEPP. Special Envoy Gharekhan reiterated India’s firm and unwavering commitment towards its Arab brothers in general and to the cause of Palestine, in particular. We shall be seeing active involvement of our Special Envoy in the coming days as has also been indicated by the Saudi leadership. The Special Envoy conveyed the appreciation of the Government of India with regard to the role that had been played by  Saudi  Arabia particularly   the Custodian  of  the  Two   Holy Mosques and categorically stated that the Arab Peace Plan, which was originally proposed by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, should form the basis for a comprehensive and durable settlement.

     The past year has also witnessed intense activity on the economic and commercial front. Our bilateral trade has touched a new high with US$ 5.5 billion. The period was marked by a number of delegations from both sides. The prominent ones being the visit of Investment Delegation from India in November last year; a 22-member delegation from Synthetic Export Promotion Council; a 20-member Small and Medium Enterprises delegation in December last year; a fertilizer delegation in May 2007 to discuss Indo-Saudi Joint Venture for a gas-based fertilizer plant in Saudi Arabia; a high-level agricultural delegation led by Chairman, Agricultural& Processed food products Export Development Authority (APEDA), recently, to name a few. From the Saudi side, the Health Minister led a delegation to India during which an MoU was signed to increase cooperation in the health sector; a 12-member GCC IT delegation in January this year; the 7th India-Saudi Joint Commission Meeting was held at New Delhi in January this year during which a 56-member Saudi business delegation accompanied the official delegation in addition to a 25-member IT delegation. The Mission too organised a number of economic and commercial activities that included a seminar on Indo-Saudi Trade and Economic Relations; a catalogue exhibition INDIA CATEX; and, Tourism Mart.  

     India marked its 60th Independence Anniversary with a number of activities and events. Two Indian Naval Ships – INS Rajput and INS Betwa – called at the Al Jubail Port in August; a Qawwali performance was organised by the Mission at Indian International School, Riyadh; the Indian Ambassador hosted a reception for the Indian community.

     As a follow up to the Delhi Declaration signed during the landmark visit of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to India, the Government of Saudi Arabia launched King Abdullah Scholarship Programme for higher studies of Saudi students in Asian countries including India. The Mission made special efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education and showcased India’s prowess in the education sector. As India’s forte is technical, medical and related education fields, understandably, the Saudi students opted for courses in Computer Science, IT, computer related fields, engineering and medical-related fields. The Embassy is confident that the numbers shall certainly increase in the coming years.

     In the cultural field, the past year was indeed eventful, during which a number of activities were arranged. These include two Mushaira programmes, Ghazal evening by a renowned artist and Qawwali programme.

     The Embassy would like to present some of the events that are being planned in the coming days.  

     Promotion of Indian universities/ educational institutions: The Embassy will be facilitating visits by different universities/colleges to Saudi Arabia for disseminating information at the ‘Education Fair’ scheduled to be held in November this year. This will provide an excellent opportunity not only for Saudi students but also for Non-Resident Indian students desirous of pursuing higher studies. The Embassy also intends to visit prominent Saudi universities and make presentations on opportunities available in India in various fields of education explaining to the Saudi students as to why India should be a preferred destination for education. 

     Economic Activities: Launching of Saudi India Business Forum (SIBF) in November/December 2007. State Bank of India (SBI) shall be commencing its retail activities in Jeddah. We have also started negotiations for signing India-GCC Free Trade Agreement. The next round is scheduled to be held in Delhi. Business delegation comprising construction, Small and Medium Enterprises, Pharmaceuticals and IT sectors, Buyer Seller Meet (some time in the first week of December 2007). Medical Tourism Fair in January/February 2008.       Business Seminar on “Future Prospects of Indo-Saudi Business Scenario” 

     Cultural Activities: Exhibition of Islamic artefacts and “Facets of India-Development and Progress” in January/February 2008.A Ghazal programme in mid-October 2007.     An ‘India Week’ comprising cultural programme, grand Indian bazaar and Indian food festival in October 2007 

Riyadh, 11th September, 2007

Implementation of Right to Information Act

In pursuant to the directives of Central Information Commission (CIC), it has been decided to implement the Right to Information (RTI) Act in this Mission.  All information i.e. procedure of how to apply, fees, eligibility criteria etc. relating to RTI Act may be accessed at the website http://righttoinformation.gov.in/

All Indian nationals who may wish to seek information under RTI Act may address their applications to the following:-

Head of Chancery

Public Information Officer

Embassy of India

Riyadh

Tel. No. 00-966-1-4884144

Fax No. 00-966-1-4884750

E-mail: info@indianembassy.org.sa

Deputy Chief of Mission

Appellate Authority

Embassy of India

Riyadh

Tel. No. 00-966-1-4884144

Fax No. 00-966-1-4884750

E-mail: minister@indianembassy.org.sa

Changes in the Cabinet (29.01.06)

The following ministers were sworn in by the President at 1200 hours on Sunday, the 29th January 2006:-

CABINET MINISTERS
1. Shri Sushil Kumar Shinde
2. Shri A. R. Antulay
3. Shri Vayalar Ravi
4. Shri Murli Deora
5. Smt. Ambika Soni
6. Prof. Saif-u-Din Soz
7. Shri Shibu Soren
8. Shri Sontosh Mohan Dev
9. Shri Prem Chand Gupta
10.Shri Kapil Sibal

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
1. Shri G.K.Vasan

MINISTERS OF STATE
1. Shri Pavan Kumar Bansal
2. Shri T. Subbarami Reddy
3. Shri Anand Sharma
4. Shri Ajay Maken
5. Shri M.M. Pallam Raju
6. Shri Chandra Sekhar Sahu
7. Dr. Akhilesh Das
8. Shri Jairam Ramesh
9. Shri Ashwani Kumar
10.Smt. D. Purandareswari
11.Shri Dinsha J. Patel
 

Click here to see complete list of the Council of Ministers
 

‘DELHI DECLARATION’ SIGNED BY INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA

 (27.01.06)

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signed the historic ‘Delhi Declaration’, here today.  

The following is the text of the ‘Delhi Declaration’:

“The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia held historic meetings with the President of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr. A.P.J.Abdul Kalam and the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, His Excellency Dr. Manmohan Singh during his State visit to the Republic of India from 24 – 27 January, 2006. The two sides exchanged views and had in-depth discussions that touched upon the mutual interests of both countries as well as the security, stability, peace and prosperity in the whole region......more
 

Government of India launches Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme from 14.11.2005

The Government of India has decided to implement the Overseas Citizenship of India Scheme w.e.f. November 14, 2005.  The fee for registration under this scheme is SR.1,035.   For PIO Card holder, however, the fee is SR.95 only.  All requisite information regarding the scheme and the application form is available at www.indianembassy.org.sa  and on Ministry of Home Affairs website  www.mha.nic.in. 

24-hour helpline at the Embassy

The telephone numbers of the 24-hour Help Line set up at the Embassy for providing advice and assistance to the members of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia are 00-966-1-4881982 and 00-966-1-4884697.