On the auspicious occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to the members of the Indian community living in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Republic Day means a lot to every Indian. On this day in 1950, the Republic of India was born when the people of India adopted, enacted and gave to themselves the first constitution of independent India, declaring India as a sovereign, socialist, secular and democratic republic. As we celebrate our 73rd Republic Day, we pay tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of the Indians in the last 72 years towards upholding the pride of the nation as well as the values of Justice, Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity enshrined in our unique constitution. India, known for its diversity, is world's largest democracy with a vibrant and resilient economy. Fueled by the energy of its educated young population, and powered by its scientific and technological prowess, India has emerged as a global hub for innovation, start-ups and manufacturing. India's expertise and capabilities in areas like space, clean energy, IT, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals is appreciated by the world. This year, as independent India turns seventy-five, we are amidst the celebration of "Amrit Mahotsav" or 75 years of India's independence. Saudi Arabia being one of the first countries with which India established diplomatic relations in 1947, we are also celebrating 75 years of our India-Saudi Arabia diplomatic ties. In celebration, the Consulate General of India, Jeddah, has been organizing events covering diverse aspects of Indo-Saudi cooperation including economic & commercial, culture, Hajj, healthcare, sports and entertainment with enthusiastic participation of the vibrant Indian community. India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties. In recent years, the bilateral relations have scaled new heights as evident from regular visits and exchanges at the highest levels and setting up of Indo-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council in 2019 chaired by Prime Minister on the Indian side and the Crown Prince on the Saudi side. India's economic and commercial engagement with the Kingdom remains strong as ever. India remained Saudi Arabia's second-largest trading partner during January-September 2021. There is a great scope for further enhancing bilateral trade and mutual investments as the economic policies of government of India and Saudi Arabia's Vision-2030 are in sync upto a significant level. India is a natural partner for Saudi Arabia for cooperation in areas like manufacturing, tourism, agriculture & food security, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, IT, education, training and skill development which are important areas for both Saudi Vision-2030 and India. Moreover, there is a great scope for mutual cooperation in areas like Entertainment, Clean & Renewable Energy, SMEs, and handicrafts. I would like to avail this opportunity to convey our sincere thanks to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman for their efforts in strengthening India-Saudi Arabia relationship as well as extending a warm hospitality to the Indians living in the Kingdom. We are grateful to Saudi Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Labor, Interior as well as all other Saudi agencies which have extended support to us in our efforts towards ensuring the welfare of Indians. Consulate General of India, Jeddah accords utmost priority to the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the Western provinces of the Kingdom. Despite enormous challenges thrown by COVID-19, under the guidance of Ambassador of India Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, and support of Saudi authorities, we have made untiring efforts to improve the delivery of consular and welfare services. In 2021, despite all challenges, we delivered over 65,000 passport and other consular services. The Consulate also conducted 34 scattered tours to different remote locations, including Najran, Jazan, Abha, Qunfudah, Bisha, Baha, Taif, Yanbu, Makkah, Madinah and Tabouk as part of Consulate's outreach to Indian nationals. Our extensive use of IT and innovative solutions has visibly eased the access of the community to the Consulate. Our "Virtual Appointment System" has enabled Indian nationals to receive help virtually from their homes without them having to visit the Consulate. Our mobile application "India In Jeddah" and an interactive Chatbot in the Consulate's mobile App and website have made it easier for any Indian in the western provinces of the Kingdom to access the information they need or reach out to the Consulate. I thank my fellow Indians living in Saudi Arabia, who are hard-working and law-abiding, for contributing to the growth and development of both India and Saudi Arabia and towards strengthening of the India-Saudi Arabia ties. I also thank them for their enthusiastic participation at the various activities organized by the Consulate in celebration of 75 years of India's independence and 75 years of Indo-Saudi friendship. Happy Republic Day of India, Jai Hind ! Mohd. Shahid Alam
