Saudi Arabia vital strategic partner of India, says Antony

Riyadh, Feb 14 (ANI): Describing the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an important strategic partner of India, Defence Minister A.K Antony has said the Gulf Region has an immense importance in our foreign policy.

Addressing the Indian Community here, Antony said: "The region is perhaps the largest trading partner of India with the total two way trade of over 130 billion dollars in 2010-11.

"Over six million Indians live and work in the region and we appreciate the assistance of their host governments towards their safety and well-being," he added.

Talking about India's economic successes, he said, this has been achieved within the framework of our democratic and secular order.

"In this order, every Indian enjoys freedom to pursue his beliefs and aspirations and has rights to ensure he can realize his dreams with the assurance that the State will protect his unique identity and individuality," he said.

"But with these freedoms and rights, we have the corresponding responsibility of ensuring that all our actions take place within the framework of the Constitution and promote the interests of our nation. Though major challenges still remain, it is a matter of satisfaction for all of us that our Constitution remains the guardian of our nationhood and our national values", he added.

Antony, who is on a two-day visit to Riyadh, said, India is working closely with all countries in the Gulf region in a coordinated manner to combat terrorism and for anti-piracy measures.

He further expressed confidence that his visit will give a 'new substance and direction' to Indo-Saudi defence ties, which constitute an important component of the emerging strategic partnership between the two countries.

Earlier, Antony met Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

During the meeting, the two leaders expressed satisfaction that both the countries are pursuing enhanced cooperation in pursuit of the strategic partnership, especially in security, defence, economic and political fields.

Displaying enormous warmth, King Abdullah fondly remembered the role played by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh to India-Saudi Arabia relations.

He expressed eagerness to strengthen relations with India and condemned all forms of terrorism. He paid rich tributes to emigre Indians who have played a significant role in enriching the economy and the social life of Saudi Arabia. (ANI)