On the auspicious occasion of the 71st Independence Day of India on 15th August 2017, I have great pleasure to offer my warm and hearty greetings to all Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin, friends and well wishers of India, especially to those living and working in the Western Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
On this day in 1947, India won its freedom after a long struggle involving exceptional sacrifices. Therefore, we remember the sacrifices of our freedom fighters and celebrate the day with pride.
India and Saudi Arabia have excellent strategic relationship in various fields. About 3 million Indians are living and working peacefully in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is 8th largest market in the world for Indian exports. It is India’s fourth largest trade partner and a major source of energy.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the ambitious blueprint for economic development, and for huge investments and building of massive manufacturing facilities and infrastructure, offers a range of opportunities for Indians.
This year 1,70,025 Indian Haj pilgrims will be performing Haj. Elaborate arrangements for Hajis for their stay in Makkah, Madinah and Holy Sites, transportation and medical needs have been made.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Saudi authorities for their unstinted cooperation to enable Indian nationals to perform Haj with ease and comfort and for making all the excellent arrangements by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Muhammad Bin Salman.
We would also like to thank Saudi Haj Minister Dr. Mohammed Saleh Benten, all his officials and other Haj related agencies for their continuous support to the Hajis. We remain ready to work closely with Saudi authorities to make Haj-2017 a grand success inshaAllah.
On this occasion, we express our commitment to the welfare of all Indian nationals living in this part of the Kingdom. It will be our endeavor to provide quick services to them and all those who approach us.
Jai Hind!
Md. Noor Rahman Sheikh
Consul General of India
