By Fariha Faruk Eshrat
India is well known as the magnificent cultural gem of the East. It’s also known as the most populous democracy in the world with over 1.2 billion inhabitants. With thousands of years of diverse religious and philosophical influences, Indian arts and traditions are a vibrant and exciting premise to all. India is also one of the fastest growing economies worldwide with its booming tourism industry being a major contributor thanks to its rich natural and cultural heritage.
Bilateral Relations
India and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a cordial relationship reflecting their centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties. Their modern diplomatic ties were established in 1947, followed by King Saud’s visit in 1955 and the reciprocal visit in 1956 by the first Prime Minister of Independent India, Jawaharlal Nehru. The most recent momentum to this strong diplomatic relationship is attributed to the signing of the ‘Delhi Declaration’ in 2006 during King Abdullah’s visit to India. The visit provided a framework for cooperation in all fields of mutual interest. Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh conducted a reciprocal visit in 2010 that raised the level of bilateral engagement to ‘Strategic Partnership’ and the ‘Riyadh Declaration’ was signed to capture the spirit of enhanced cooperation in the political, economic, and defense fields. There have also been recent visits by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud in 2014 and by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2016 between the nations.
Trade Relations
Economic ties constitute a significant element of the Indian-Saudi Arabian Partnership. Saudi Arabia is the 4th largest trade partner of India and a major source of India’s energy as 20% of their crude oil requirement is imported from the Kingdom. The value of the bilateral trade during the 2016-17 economic year was 25.08 billion USD. These ties were emphasized and strengthened with the frequent political visits of both nation’s leaders between the two countries.
Indian Community in Saudi Arabia
The Indian community is the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom with over 3 million expats living in the Kingdom. The Indian community is known for their expertise, discipline and peace loving nature. Their contribution to the development of Saudi Arabia is well-acknowledged by both parties. Tourism India possesses a variety of landscapes from deserts to snowy mountains, waterfalls to beaches and from bustling cosmopolitan cities to rural ecotourism sites complete with exotic wildlife trails. India holds a rich history in the walls of its world heritage sites and its many mandirs. This vibrant country has literally everything any visitor could wish to experience. India offers it’s travellers a magnificent experience for their body, mind, and soul. India also has a growing area of healthcare tourism which covers Ayurveda, alternative and holistic remedies. The recently launched multi-lingual tourism web portal incredibleindia.org is available for you to research more into this majestic land. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh also regularly highlights the tremendous strengths, avenues, and world class facilities offered by the Indian tourism sector in its trade promotion events.
WHAT TO DO
- Watch the sun set over the Taj Mahal from a distance at the Mehtab Bagh Gardens. The scene is serene and quiet. It becomes extra magical when the moon glides overhead.
- Marvel at the ‘Pink City’ of Jaipur where a complex of courtyards, gardens and buildings of the City Palace will keep you occupied for hours.
- Gaze at your reflection at the fabled lake of Pushkar, one of India’s holiest cities, in Rajasthan on a hot air balloon. Be amazed at the shifting landscape from sand dunes to flower gardens to bustling cities.
- Journey through stretches of lakes, canals, and lagoons at the scenic backwaters of Kerala in a houseboat. Cruise your way in Alappuzha, known as the “Venice of the East, in the reworked version of the Kettuvallams, a boat with thatched roof that carries rice and spices in the old times.
- Embark on a culinary journey and immerse yourself in India’s long history of cuisines and spices. Enroll in a cooking class or attend a food tour and enjoy India’s delectable food!
WHERE TO GO
- Taj Mahal, the most iconic symbol of India and its top historical attraction. There’s nothing more to be said on this must-visit and must-see monument in Agra.
- Udaipur, known as the most romantic city in India. Visit the famed city of lakes and palaces.
- Varanasi, a spiritual city like no other. This city is not for the faint of heart. Once discovered, it provides valuable insight into the ancient traditions of the county.
- Goa, India’s top beach destination.
- Kashmir, the valley rich with history, culture, and natural beauty. This state known as “heaven on earth” is the path less traveled but truly worth it.
