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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed heartfelt appreciation for the 2.7 million Indians living in Saudi Arabia, calling them a ‘living bridge’ between the two nations.
PM Modi’s remarks came ahead of his latest visit to the Kingdom, as reported by ‘Arab News’.
Recognising the community’s role in deepening India-Saudi ties, PM Modi emphasised his government’s sustained focus on their well-being through an approach centered on four key principles:
- Care,
- Connect,
- Celebrate, and
- Contribute
In an interview with ‘Arab News’, PM Modi stated, “First of all, let me put it on record that we are deeply grateful to Their Royal Highnesses, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the patronage they have provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. We can never forget how they took care of the Indians as one of their own during the difficult times of the COVID pandemic. Indians have a very important characteristic – whichever country they go to, they make it their home. They are law-abiding, dedicated and professional to the core. They carry with them the values of empathy, compassion and care.”
Prime Minister Modi referred to members of the Indian diaspora as ‘rashtradoots’, or national ambassadors. He reiterated that their safety and well-being are central to his government’s vision.
PM Modi detailed a range of initiatives introduced over the past decade to support the Indian community in the Kingdom. These include insurance plans, scholarships for children, skilling programs, and safer migration channels.
“Over the past decade, we have launched many initiatives, including insurance schemes, scholarships for their children, and skilling programs. We have established mechanisms for safe and legal migration. The 2.7 million vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia is a living bridge connecting our two countries. I commend them for not only preserving their values and traditions but also promoting them. I eagerly look forward to reconnecting with the Indian diaspora during this visit,” the Prime Minister noted.
PM Modi also spoke about the longstanding cultural, religious, and educational bonds shared by India and Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister recalled the rich legacy of people-to-people interaction, referencing ancient literary works like ‘Kalila wa Dimna’, and expressed gratitude for the continued support extended to Indian pilgrims during Hajj and Umrah.
“Our people have interacted with each other since the days of ‘Kalila wa Dimna’. The growing cultural connect between our countries is indicative of the understanding and appreciation for each other. As far as religious tourism is concerned, as you know, we have a large Muslim population and they visit your beautiful country each year for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage. We are grateful to the Saudi leadership for the continued assistance provided to Indian pilgrims. Yoga has gained considerable popularity in Saudi Arabia over the recent years, thanks to the encouragement and support of the Saudi government. We are also noticing a growing interest in cricket,” PM Modi told Arab News.
The Prime Minister further added, “I am told that Arab broadcasters run dedicated channels with Indian content that are very popular in the Kingdom. There is also a wide following for Indian films and actors. India is hosting the first edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit in Mumbai during May 1-4. We look forward to a strong participation from Saudi Arabia at the summit so that we can give new wings to our cultural and entertainment collaboration.”
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia, following earlier trips in 2016 and 2019.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Also Read: PM Modi Departs For Saudi Arabia; Calls Ties A Strategic Partnership With Growing Momentum
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