Security tops Indian PM's agenda RIYADH – Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh accompanied by over 100-member strong delegation arrived here Saturday to a warm welcome. Singh and his delegation was received by Crown Prince Sultan Bin Abdul Aziz, Deputy Premier, Minister of Defense and Aviation and Inspector General, Prince Naif Bin Abdul Aziz, Second Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior, and Prince Salman Bin Abdul Aziz, Emir of Riyadh. Cabinet ministers and senior Saudi officials were also present to receive Singh who is expected to hold talks with King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, on a number of bilateral and regional issues of mutual concern that include political, economic and culture. However, security and regional stability topped the agenda of talks. Growing extremism and violence across West Asia and parts of South Asia from Palestine to Pakistan will be the main focus of talks. On Monday, Singh will address the Shoura Council, a rare honor for a visiting foreign dignitary. His visit marks the first by any Indian prime minister in 28 years. The Indian delegation accompanying the premier includes Shashi Tharoor, Minister of State for External Affairs (instead of S.M. Krishna; Minister of External Affairs as reported earlier), Anand Sharma, Commerce and Industry Minister; Murli Deora, Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas; Ghulam Nabi Azad, Minister of Health; Shiv Shankar Menon, National Security Adviser and T.K.A Nair, Principal Secretary to the PM. “There is a deep concern both in India and Saudi Arabia about the sense of insecurity and instability that is pervasive in the region,” Indian Ambassador Talmiz Ahmed said earlier. Singh will also sign a number of agreements including an extradition treaty and MoUs on peaceful use of the outer space and cooperation in information technology and other sectors. In an exclusive interview to Saudi Gazette published Saturday, Singh said that India and Saudi Arabia belonged to the same extended neighborhood. “During my visit I propose to discuss with King Abdullah how we can promote greater stability and security in the region,” he said. “Both King Abdullah and I reject the notion that any cause justifies wanton violence against innocent people. We are strong allies against the scourge of extremism and terrorism that affects global peace and security.” “Our view is that Iran is a signatory to the NPT (Non-Proliferation Treaty); it is entitled to all the rights that go with its membership of the NPT; and it must also observe all the obligations that go as part of the membership of the NPT,” said Singh. Singh is also scheduled to address the Saudi business community at the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The Council will host a luncheon in honor of the Indian PM and his accompanying delegation that include 25 CEOs of leading Indian companies.
