Riyadh: The Indian Embassy in Riyadh hosted a grand Indian Community Interaction Program at its auditorium in the Diplomatic Quarter, attended by the Honorable Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju. The event, which commenced at 6 PM (KSA time) brought together a vibrant gathering of Indian community members, Embassy officials and dignitaries.
The Minister was warmly welcomed by the Indian community steering committee with a traditional Himachali cap and shawl, symbolizing Indian cultural richness and diversity. The Honorable Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, shared the dais.
In his address, Shri Kiran Rijiju emphasized the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, describing it as critical for fostering mutual growth and supporting the well-being of the Indian diaspora. He remarked, “India and Saudi Arabia share ancient ties, which have evolved into a robust partnership spanning trade, education, technology and culture.”
“The Kingdom is not only home to 2.6 million Indians but also a key ally in advancing global stability and prosperity,” he said. With the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia being the second-largest globally, Shri Rijiju equated their number to the population of many nations.
Shri Rijiju underscored the shared commitment to strengthening cultural and economic links, which directly benefit the Indian community in Saudi Arabia and their families in India.
He captivated the audience with his thoughtful address, expressing gratitude to the Indian diaspora for their invaluable contributions. Reflecting on his earlier visits to the Kingdom as a Member of Parliament and individual basis, he emphasized the significance of this trip as Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs and it’s going to be helpful to the people, especially Hajjis and all Indian diasporas, who are living in the Kingdom.
Hajj 2025 Preparations & Increase in Hajj Quota
A major highlight of Shri Rijiju’s address was the Government of India’s efforts to improve the Hajj experience for Indian pilgrims. He announced an increase in the Hajj quota for 2025 and introduced new guidelines aimed at ensuring safety, efficiency, and comfort, especially for elderly pilgrims, women and others.
The Minister emphasized India’s collaboration with Saudi authorities to streamline travel, accommodation, and healthcare facilities for pilgrims, ensuring a hassle-free and spiritually fulfilling experience. He reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of Hajjis, reflecting India’s proactive approach to catering to the needs of its citizens abroad.
Rising Global Stature of India
Shri Rijiju also emphasized and spoke about India’s emergence as a global power. “Unlike a decade ago, India today is a center of global influence with strong ties to almost every nation; India is becoming a global center of power, linked to almost every nation,” he said. The world’s perception of India and Indians has transformed positively, and every Indian can now feel a profound sense of pride,” he stated.
Commendation for Embassy and Cultural Performances
The minister praised the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate in Jeddah for their exceptional works including managing one of the busiest workloads among Indian missions globally, such as issuing around 600 passports daily. He also praised their active involvement in promoting bilateral relations.
The evening featured cultural performances by students from Indian International Schools in Riyadh. Classical dances, along with a special performance marking Vishwa Hindi Divas, captivated the audience. Shri Rijiju applauded the students for showcasing the richness of India’s linguistic and cultural diversity, emphasizing equal respect for all Indian languages such as Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, Marati, Rasthani, Manipuri, Dogra etc.
The event concluded with the Minister distributing prizes to winners of various competitions, leaving attendees inspired and proud of their shared cultural roots. Dinesh Setia, First Secretary at the Indian Embassy, ensured the program’s seamless flow as the master of ceremonies.
The Indian community expressed gratitude to Shri Rijiju for his inspiring vision and praised the Embassy for hosting a memorable evening.
(Inputs from P.A. Hameed Padubidri, Riyadh)
Comments
Dear Ashraf 39#,
You mean to say Congress is secular who allowed to demolish Babri Masjid, who allowed and let free Modi for Gujarat Massacre? Congress using muslim vote, never give tickets to Muslim candidate where he can win, Congress play with Sachar committee by not implementing. Lacs of Muslim youths were charged and detained terrorism by fabricated case during Congress rule.
Finally AK Antony gave report that Congress has lost due to more favourism to Muslims.
Who is secular.. could you please look at history he joined hands with BJP for getting CM and he was CM for 2 and Half years and he had compromise with BJP . now u guys feeling so honoured & great that you have achieved milestone after meeting him.. please be not in wrong impression after meeting he will do some favour for muslims.. we have only one trust and belief in ALLAH.. thats all.. and please SDPI dont play dirty Politics in the name of religion...SPARE US
Future ruling party of India..sdpi
MASHA ALLAH... GOOD WORK
MASH ALLAH, Keep It Up....
Masha Allah. .
Jai SDPI..
Well done keep it up
Masha Allah good job
Good job
Masha Allah. Well done. Will hope asap we will get NRI voting rights. Thanks to SDPI
The so called secular HDK once labelled madrasa is the breeding place for terrorism. JD(S) is responsible for the growth of BJP in Karnataka. Mustak you are right SDPI wasting their time,energy and money to honoring this type of leaders.
Good to see Gajni (HDK) of Karnataka forget the meaning of secular whenever is in Power
Guys first teach him the meaning of ???????? and expect anything from him
Y you guys wasting time to honour him
Use the same time to strengthen your Party
Good to see Gajni part 2(HDK) with secular people
Guys should have taught him the meaning of Secular
Coz when he was in power he forgot that.
Don't expect anything from him.
Ver Good move ....JDS will benefit from this for sure....but also other side , DALITS , OBC ,christians and Muslims will be benefitted by SDPI who is emerging as hopeful party with real approach towards people oriented administration despite BJPs Media conspiracy .
Great Move ....secular parties should learn from this ......as HDK accepted that it was mistake to join BJP
Well done guys keep it up
All secular parties must unite to defeat BJP and Sangh which is like mosquito's life depends on other's blood.......
Mashaallha keep it up
Now a days it is very difficult to find a good politicians. Most of the politicians are opportunists and chameleon character. They are playing vote bank politics with fake promises to appease the voters.
Noble cause meet with HDK by SDPI delegates and their purpose of meet was very clear raising voice for \minorities especially Muslims in upcoming annual budget\" NRK cards etc.. this is very important matter for muslims to influence former CM while they are in Assembly session to pointed out above matter.
SDPI always works for Muslim rights.
Well done Team"
The Muslim community has been deprived of all facilities being the largest minority community in Karnataka. Justice Rajender Singh in his report has thrown light into the pathetic living conditions of the Muslim community.
Well done keep it up...
Welldone!
Mash Allah,
All Should Support SDPI. Good Move
Welldone guys. Good move
All the citizens should join hands with SDPI in their effort and strengthen this struggle to attain rights of minorities and deprived community.
Appreciation to SDPI Delegate for your effort and thanks to HDK for sparing valuable time also thanks to CD for publishing this news article.
GOOD MOVE
masha allha welldone guys good job
appreciated the initiative taken by the SDPI party .
Ma sha Allah its a great move ...keep it up brothers....
It was great pleasure to meet Mr HDK.
Good
Good move.keep it up
Well done. Keep up the good work.
Well done keep it up...
Well done keep it up....
Well done keep it up...
Masha allah good move. . . . .hope government will allocate sufficient fund for minorities in the coming budget.
Masha allah good move ...hope government will allocate sufficient fund for minorities in the coming budget.
Welldone brothers appreciated... good work
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