Saudi-Indian Naval Ties Renewed
Aiswarya Lakshmi
June 1, 2015
Reviving glorious memories of historic bonds and trade relations between Saudi Arabia and India that date back to the time of Prophet Muhammad and beyond, an Indian sailing ship docked at Jeddah Islamic Port, reports Saudi Gazette.
Relations between India and Saudi Arabia are going from strength to strength, said Hemant Kotalwar, charge d’affaires at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
He was speaking at a press conference on board the Indian Navy ship, Tarangini, which is on a good will visit to Saudi Arabia and is docked at Jeddah Islamic Port.
“The favorable winds that have blown since centuries, helping to dock sailing ships of indian traders on the Arabian coast in the past are still blowing in a highly positive note,” Col. Gurpal Singh SM, defense attaché at the Indian embassy, told Saudi Gazette.
Several Saudi Royal Navy officials joined Indian Embassy officials in according a warm welcome to INS Tarangini, the first sail training ship of the Indian Navy.
According to the diplomats, India is particularly indebted to King Salman for the support and cooperation rendered during the recent evacuation of more than 4,800 Indian nationals and another 1,700 foreign nationals of various countries from Yemen.
“There is growing cooperation between the navies of the two countries,” said Kotalwar. “Saudi officers are undergoing training courses in India. At the same time, Indian military officers are undertaking regular tours to Saudi Arabia in their quest for shared learning.”
