India, Saudi Arabia sign four agreements
by Vikram Vishal

     New Delhi: India and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday signed four accords after one-on-one talks between Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and visiting Saudi Arabian King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud in New Delhi. The four agreements inked by the two sides include cooperation in combating terrorism, bilateral investment promotion and protection, double taxation avoidance and cooperation in the fields of youth affairs and sports.

    During the discussion between the two leaders, which lasted for about 45 minutes, issues relating to bilateral relations as well as an overview of regional issues, international issues, global concerns figured among others. India's relations with its neighbours and energy security were also discussed. At the delegation-level talks, Dr Singh underlined the importance that India attached to King Abdullah's visit and to India's long- term relations with Saudi Arabia, saying the two countries have tremendous potential of trade and economic possibilities. DR Singh also mentioned the impact that this relationship could have on many issues of global concern. "We look at Saudi Arabia as a very important partner in combating global terrorism and in that context this particular MoU (memorandum of understating) which has been signed on combating crime will further strengthen cooperation in this regard. Other agreements will lay the groundwork for a closer economic relationship," DR Singh stated. He also briefed the Saudi delegation on current economic status and the direction of country's reforms and said that he would invite the Saudi business community to take advantage of this situation particularly in gas, petroleum, infrastructure, fertilizer industries. The Prime Minister further mentioned that India has one of the largest group of pilgrims which go for Haj in Saudi Arabia and expressed his gratitude for the care that is taken for their pilgrimage by the Saudi Arabian government.

      Asserting that the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia should be strengthened, King Abdullah said that the agreements met between the two sides would be important steps in this process. Emphasising on the need to work together on terrorism, the Saudi King said that this was a long-term struggle but "this was one which will be carried on until this scourge is completely eliminated". He went on to add that they were also against any support to terrorism whether it be of a financial nature or a moral nature. On India-Pakistan relations, the visiting King said that they were "naturally interested in a better relationship between India and Pakistan". In the delegation-level talks, the Prime Minister was assisted by Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyer, Sports Minister Oscar Fernandes, National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and other senior officials. The Saudi King was joined by his Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faizal Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, Chief of the Saudi Intelligence, Chief of the Saudi National Security Council and other senior members of his delegation. King Abdullah, who will be the chief guest at the 57th Republic Day parade on Thursday, will meet Vice President Bhairon Sinhgh Shekhawat, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Opposition Leader in Lok Sabha L K Advani on January 27. This will be followed by a visit to the Jamia Milia Islamia University where the King will be conferred with an honorary Doctorate by the University. He will leave in the evening the same day.

Warm welcome accorded to Saudi King

     New Delhi: The King of Saudi Arabia , Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was today given a formal ceremonial welcome in the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, the Presidential Palace. The King was received by President A.P.J.Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh soon after he disembarked from his car. He was then escorted by Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunshi, who was acting as the Minister of Protocol, to the ceremonial dais. Thereafter, he reviewed the inter-services guard of honour. After the ceremony, the Saudi King was introduced to members of the Indian Cabinet by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Dr. Singh was also introduced to the Saudi delegation accompanying the King.

    Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the ceremony, the King said that he was extremely happy to visit India and looked forward to attending the Republic Day celebrations of the country on Thursday, besides having fruitful discussions with the Indian leadership on ways to further enhance bilateral ties between the two countries. He then left with his entourage for Hyderabad House for a one-to- one discussion with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, which was followed by delegation-level talks. At the time of the filing of this report, the talks were still in progress. King Abdullah arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday night on a landmark four-day visit, the first by a Saudi monarch in 51 years, signalling a major transformation in relations between oil rich Saudi Arabia and energy-seeking India. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, defying protocol, received the Saudi monarch at the Palam Technical Area. Several senior government functionaries were present. The Saudi Monarch, who came from Beijing, arrived at 7.15 p.m., about two hours late. King Abdullah will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade. His talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh are expected to focus on bilateral, regional and international issues which will be followed by the signing of several landmark agreements. India and Saudi Arabia will sign three agreements--a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on combating terrorism, a Double Taxation Avoidance Treaty and one for promoting bilateral investment. The Union Cabinet gave its approval for the signing of the treaties last week. The issue of hydrocarbon cooperation will also be a component of talks between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Saudi King. Officials said India has a strong assurance from Saudi Arabia that any incremental requirement will be met by them.

    Saudi Arabia accounts for almost a quarter of India's total imports of oil of 1.9 million barrels per day. King Abdullah, who is accompanied by a large delegation, including his Ministers and prominent Saudi businessmen, will also address a business summit. A special session of the India- Saudi Arabia Business Council will be held during the visit. The King will inaugurate a Saudi exhibition and witness the signing of Trade Agreements. He will call on President A P J Abdul Kalam on Wednesday evening. On January 27, Vice President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Opposition Leader in Lok Sabha L K Advani will call on him. This will be followed by a visit to the Jamia Milia Islamia University where the King will be conferred with an honorary Doctorate by the University. He will leave in the evening the same day.

    Saudi Arabia and the other five Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member-states---United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait---have always been of great significance for India, located as they are in its immediate neighbourhood. The visit is also important as it is taking place about one and a half years after an agreement between India and the GCC countries to establish multi-dimensional economic partnership as a prelude to a free trade area between the two regions. The oil-rich region is one of India's most important sources of supply of crude oil and home to about 3.5 million Indians who send about six billion dollars back home every year in remittances. As a group, the GCC is India's second largest trading partner. It is the single largest origin of imports into India and the second largest destination for exports from India. Besides, India is home to the second largest population of Muslims after Indonesia while Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam.

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