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On the occasion of the 79th Independence Day of India, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all Indian citizens in 萝莉视频, and to our dear Saudi friends and partners.
Aug. 15 holds great importance for every Indian, as it was on this day in 1947 that India gained independence. It marked the end of colonial rule and the beginning of our journey as the world鈥檚 largest democracy. On this day we remember those who fought for our freedom, and we honor the brave soldiers who continue to protect our borders, many of whom have made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
India is proud of its rich civilizational history, diverse cultural ethos, and strong democratic values. India鈥檚 approach to international relations is based on trust and partnership. India is a leading voice for the Global South, has been a major contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts, and has taken an active role in upholding sustainability and climate action.
Close to eight decades after Independence, India stands out as a shining example of what is possible through the collective action of 1.4 billion people. In the economic realm India is a leader in global trade, investments, and innovation, driven by a robust business environment, a dynamic demographic profile, and sustained economic reforms.
As the world鈥檚 fourth-largest economy with a GDP size larger than $4 trillion, we are on track to become the third-largest economy with a projected GDP of $7.3 trillion by 2030. India is also the world鈥檚 fastest-growing major economy with real GDP growing at 6.5 percent on average.
India remains a favored destination for global investments, with cumulative FDI inflows reaching $1.05 trillion as of 2024-25. Our strategic initiatives such as Production Linked Incentive schemes, revitalization of MSMEs, and the expansion of digital infrastructure have laid the foundation for a high-growth, high-opportunity economy. We have charted new paths, from space to the high seas, and set our goals on a developed India by 2047.
This day is also a time to reflect on our close relationships with key partners. 萝莉视频 is one of India鈥檚 most trusted and valued strategic partners. Our ties are rooted in a rich tapestry of civilizational, cultural, and commercial connections that date back centuries. Today, the India-Saudi partnership spans a wide array of domains, including defense, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, healthcare, education, culture, and vibrant people-to-people exchanges. However, the strength of our relationship goes far beyond individual sectors: It is anchored in mutual trust, goodwill, and a shared recognition that, in an increasingly uncertain world, our partnership stands as a pillar of stability and strength.
The landmark state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Kingdom in April 2025 was a true reflection of this deepening bond. Prime Minister Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had highly productive engagements in Jeddah, resulting in key outcomes 鈥� including the agreement on the establishment of two India-Saudi joint venture refineries in India, and agreements in health, space cooperation, sports and postal cooperation. The two leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, or SPC, during this visit. And in keeping with the deepening of the strategic partnership over the past few years, two new ministerial committees under the SPC, one on defense cooperation and another on tourism and cultural cooperation, were created.
India stands out as shining example of what is possible through collective action
Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan
On the commercial side, our bilateral trade reached around $42 billion in 2024-25. India is now 萝莉视频鈥檚 second-largest trading partner, and the Kingdom ranks fifth for India. Indian companies are increasingly investing in 萝莉视频. Many of them are involved in major infrastructure and energy projects under Vision 2030. Indian IT and tech firms are contributing to 萝莉视频鈥檚 digital transformation, while interest is also growing in areas like healthcare, logistics, mining, and startups. We have set up strong institutional frameworks, including a Ministerial Committee on Economy, Energy, Investment and Technology, and a high-level task force on investment. Our economic visions 鈥� the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 and India鈥檚 Viksit Bharat (Developed India) 2047 鈥� complement each other, creating vast synergies for growth.
Energy remains a key pillar of our partnership. 萝莉视频 is a major and reliable supplier of oil and gas, which continues to support India鈥檚 development. We are also working with 萝莉视频 in areas such as solar, wind, and hydrogen. An agreement signed in 2023 covers electrical interconnection, hydrogen, and supply chains. We are exploring the idea of linking our power grids 鈥� a project that fits within the broader India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor announced in 2023.
We recognize that stability, in the region and beyond, benefits our nations and the world. To this end, defense cooperation has grown steadily. The first joint army exercise, Sada Tanseeq, took place last year, along with two naval exercises 鈥� Al-Mohed Al-Hindi 鈥� in 2021 and 2023. There are regular exchanges of military leadership, training programs, and growing collaboration in defense industries. On the security front, we are working closely together to combat terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cyber threats.
There is a natural connection in culture and people-to-people ties. Indian cinema and television content enjoy huge popularity in 萝莉视频. There is increased cooperation in media and entertainment sectors, including in joint production. Yoga has become popular in the Kingdom, with strong support from the Saudi government. Academic exchanges have expanded. We have initiated joint research activities on historic archives. There is growing interest in the game of cricket among Saudis. More Indian players are participating in the Kingdom鈥檚 esports tournaments. Two-way tourist numbers have increased consistently. We also welcome 萝莉视频鈥檚 decision to join the International Big Cat Alliance.
The vibrant Indian community in 萝莉视频 is a living bridge connecting our two countries. We deeply appreciate the role of the Saudi leadership in taking care of the welfare of 2.7 million Indians living in the Kingdom. We also congratulate the Saudi leadership for successfully organizing the Hajj pilgrimage this year.
India and 萝莉视频 are not only consolidating a dynamic partnership but also charting a bold vision for the future. Together, we are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping peace, progress, and prosperity; not just for our people, but for the entire world.
On behalf of the government, people of India and the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom, I take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the sustained peace, progress, and prosperity of the Kingdom of 萝莉视频.
鈥� Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan is India鈥檚 ambassador to 萝莉视频.