India and Saudi Arabia

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INDIA AND SAUDI ARABIA India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. The establishment of diplomatic relations in 1947, followed by high-level visits from both sides further boosted the bilateral relations. Saudi Arabia’s influence in the region is growing in many folds. Highest petroleum reservoirs, presence of two holy mosques, partnership with superpowers such as US, Russia, China are some major factors for the growing regional importance. Beside this Saudi Arabia has high influence over many organizations such as Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation etc. Owing to so many reasons there is a need of strengthening the ties with Saudi Arabia. The strengthening of ties will provide not only a new platform for India to promote its national interests and but also a new angle to access countries in that region. India must look beyond oil and trade in order to engage Saudi Arabia in a strategic partnership. However in past the scenario was quite different from what it is now! India’s relations with Saudi Arabia have been impacted by the Cold War, regional political dynamics and divergent interests of both countries. India’s relations with Israel, the Kashmir issue and Indian support for Arab nationalist regimes in Egypt, Iraq and Syria are other aspects that have created misunderstandings between the two countries. The visit by King Abdullah to India in January 2006 turned the tables. King referred India as ‘second home’. The Delhi Declaration signed in 2006 aimed to strengthen ties in areas of energy, trade, science and technology, education, health, and political cooperation on regional and international issues. It provides a comprehensive road map for the bilateral relations. The 2010 Riyadh Declaration furthered on this agreement and focuses on enhancing cooperation on
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