Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Minister of Defense, received Indian Defense Minister A.K. Antony here Tuesday in the presence of Prince Khalid Bin Sultan, Deputy Minister of Defense. Prince Salman hailed Saudi-Indian relations as deep-rooted, saying that they were strengthened with the historic visit of the late King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz to India. He also highlighted the visit of King Abdullah to India in January 2006 and said that it further boosted cooperation with the signing of several agreements between the two countries. “Moreover, the meeting of the Saudi-Indian joint committee last month provided ample evidence of the firm desire to continue improving the relationship for the benefit of the two friendly countries,” Prince Salman added. The Indian Minister of Defense stressed the keenness of the Indian government to further strengthen relations with the Kingdom. While addressing the Indian expatriate community earlier in the day, Antony described Saudi Arabia as an important strategic partner of India in the region. He said the Gulf region has immense importance in Indian foreign policy. “It provides more than half of our total crude oil imports. The region is perhaps the largest trading partner of India with a total two-way trade of over $130 billion in 2010-11,” Antony said. “Over six million Indians live and work in the region and we appreciate the assistance of their host governments towards their safety and well-being,” he added. Talking about India's economic successes, he said, this has been achieved within the framework of the country's democratic and secular order. “In this order, every Indian enjoys the freedom to pursue his beliefs and aspirations and has rights to ensure he can realize his dreams with the assurance that the State will protect his unique identity and individuality. “But with these freedoms and rights, we have the corresponding responsibility of ensuring that all our actions take place within the framework of the Constitution and promote the interests of our nation. “Though major challenges still remain, it is a matter of satisfaction for all of us that our Constitution remains the guardian of our nationhood and our national values,” Antony said. The minister, who is on a two-day visit to Riyadh, said India is working closely with all countries in the Gulf region in a coordinated manner to combat terrorism and piracy. Antony expressed confidence that his visit will give a “new substance and direction” to Indo-Saudi defense ties, which constitute an important component of the emerging strategic partnership between the two countries. On Monday, the Indian Defense Minister met King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, in Riyadh. The meeting, which took place shortly after his arrival, lasted 30 minutes. During the meeting, the two leaders expressed satisfaction that both countries are pursuing enhanced cooperation in pursuit of the strategic partnership, especially in security, defense, economic and political affairs.
