ON the occasion of the 71st Republic Day of India, I extend my best wishes to all my fellow Indian citizens residing in the Western Region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. Visits by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Saudi Arabia in April, 2016, and in October, 2019, and exchanges of other high level visits have further strengthened the cordial relations between the two countries. As our Prime Minister said during his visit in October, 2019, India would work hand in hand with Saudi Arabia on the Vision 2030 plan. The existence of over 2.6 million strong Indian expatriate in the Kingdom has also immensely contributed in economic and socio-cultural ties between the two countries. The bilateral trade delegations have also increased in the last few years. Indian business delegations are now a regular feature in Trade Exhibitions in Jeddah and other parts of the Kingdom. The Consulate has also worked sincerely and diligently to provide best possible services to the Indian nationals residing in the Western region of the Kingdom including by reducing the number of days required for issuing/reissuing passports within three working days. The introduction of e-Visa facility for Saudi nationals have further streamlined the visa processing and providing a welcoming step to visit India. The government and the people of India are grateful to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and Haj Minister Dr. Mohammed Saleh Benten for making excellent arrangements during Haj-2019. In the year 2019, 2,00,000 Indian nationals performed Haj and more than 6,50,000 Indians came for Umrah. The Indian side remains committed to partner closely with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to work towards a very successful Haj 2020. We sincerely express our gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman and the Saudi Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Labor, Interior and the authorities of Zawazat, Tarheel and other concerned agencies who have always provided best possible assistance to the Consulate and for the comfortable stay of the Indians in the Kingdom. Jai Hind! Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh Consul General
