RIYADH – “The power behind the strong political, commercial, cultural relations between India and Saudi Arabia are the Indians” – said the Minister of State for Tourism and Shipping, Shripad Yesu Naik. He was addressing the “Meet the People” program organized by the Embassy of India in Riyadh. He said that Saudi Arabia is the country in the world with the largest number of Indian passport holders, whose number is more than 2.7 million. He added, we appreciate the services of these Indians.
Sripad Naik said that India fought back against the development of the COVID epidemic and we are now back on the path of development. Naik also said that while we are celebrating “Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav” we are also celebrating 75 years of Indo-Saudi diplomatic relations. He said that he came to Saudi Arabia for the first time and he felt extremely happy to meet his compatriots.
Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan welcomed and introduced the minister and informed about his visit to Saudi Arabia. He said that Minister of State for Tourism & Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shripad Naik has come to participate in the “World Tourism Day” event held in Riyadh, the opening meeting of which was held on Thursday morning. The Tourism minister met the dignitaries of most of the countries of the world. He said that apart from participating in this important meeting, the Minister of Tourism of India met with the Ministers of Tourism of other countries and discussed matters of mutual interest. A student of an Indian school welcomed the visiting minister with a bouquet.
On this occasion, the students of International Indian School Riyadh presented a short play written by IISR teacher Ms. Faiza on the topic of “Mahatma Gandhi Safai Abhiyan” and National Unity.
A large number of men and women from the Indian community participated in the program which was held in the Embassy Auditorium and was attended by the Deputy Ambassador of India, Abu Mathen George, diplomats and community members.
