Dr. Manmohan Singh: A Catalyst for Strengthening India-Saudi Arabia Relations

As India mourns the passing of Dr. Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister's legacy in bolstering India-Saudi Arabia relations stands out as a significant chapter in the story of two nations with centuries-old ties. Under his leadership, the diplomatic relationship, which began in 1947, was elevated to new heights, fostering not only economic collaboration but also cultural and strategic partnerships.

A Historical Context

The cordial relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is rooted in shared economic and socio-cultural ties, which have thrived over decades. The landmark visit of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia to India in January 2006 marked a pivotal moment, leading to the signing of the ‘Delhi Declaration’. This agreement laid the groundwork for a long-term strategic energy partnership, ensuring a reliable supply of crude oil to India through long-term contracts.

Dr. Singh’s own historic visit to Saudi Arabia from February 27 to March 1, 2010, was another watershed moment in this bilateral relationship. His trip was not just symbolic; it was a manifestation of India's growing stature on the global stage and a reflection of a well-thought-out foreign policy that blended pragmatism with idealism.

A Warm Reception and Strategic Partnerships

Upon arriving in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Singh was received with extraordinary honor by Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul Aziz, who greeted him at the royal terminal of King Khalid International Airport—an unprecedented gesture that signified the mutual respect between the two nations. The red carpet rolled out in place of the traditional green further underscored this special relationship.

During his three-day visit, Dr. Singh engaged in significant discussions and signed multiple agreements, including an extradition treaty and various MoUs focusing on cultural cooperation, space research, and information technology. The presence of senior Saudi ministers, alongside the Indian delegation, illustrated the importance both countries placed on enhancing bilateral ties.

Dr. Singh was also conferred an honorary doctorate by King Saud University, symbolizing the academic and cultural connections that had blossomed under his tenure. He addressed the Majlis-e-Shura, reinforcing India's commitment to strengthening its strategic partnerships.

Economic Diplomacy and Trade Relations

The economic dimension of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship witnessed remarkable growth during Dr. Singh's time. By the financial year 2017-18, bilateral trade had surged to an impressive US$27.48 billion. Saudi Arabia's exports to India amounted to US$22.06 billion, while India's exports were valued at US$5.41 billion. This economic collaboration was a testament to Dr. Singh's vision of an India that actively engaged with global economies.

His tenure saw India seeking to attract investments from Saudi Arabia, building on the foundation laid by the earlier declarations. The Riyadh Declaration of 2010 further cemented these ties, paving the way for deeper cooperation in various sectors, including energy and technology.

A Legacy of Diplomacy

Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to India-Saudi Arabia relations are not merely confined to bilateral agreements and trade figures. His diplomatic approach laid the groundwork for a strategic partnership that continues to flourish today. His tenure from 2004 to 2014 was characterized by a blend of pragmatism, which harkened back to the policies initiated by predecessors like P.V. Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

As India reflects on the life and legacy of Dr. Manmohan Singh, it is clear that his role as a catalyst for strengthening the bonds between India and Saudi Arabia will be remembered as a significant achievement in contemporary diplomacy. His vision and leadership have left an indelible mark on the relationship, one that continues to evolve and thrive in the years following his tenure.

In honoring Dr. Singh, we also honor the enduring friendship between India and Saudi Arabia, a relationship that continues to be fortified by shared interests, mutual respect, and a commitment to a prosperous future.

Dr. Manmohan Singh, as the Prime Minister of India from 2004 to 2014, played a pivotal role in transforming and strengthening India-Saudi Arabia relations. His tenure marked a significant phase in diplomatic and economic engagement between the two nations. Here are some specific contributions and actions taken by Dr. Singh that shaped these relations:

1. Historic Visit to Saudi Arabia (2010)

Dr. Singh's three-day visit to Saudi Arabia from February 27 to March 1, 2010, was a landmark event. This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the Kingdom since 1982. The visit underscored the importance India placed on its relationship with Saudi Arabia and allowed for direct high-level discussions on various issues.

2. Signing of the Riyadh Declaration

During his visit, Dr. Singh and Saudi leaders signed the *Riyadh Declaration, which built upon the earlier **Delhi Declaration* of 2006. This agreement elevated bilateral relations to the level of a *Strategic Partnership*, focusing on cooperation in energy, trade, investment, security, and cultural exchange.

3. Economic Diplomacy

Dr. Singh emphasized economic diplomacy as a key aspect of his foreign policy. Under his leadership, India actively sought to enhance trade relations with Saudi Arabia. The bilateral trade volume saw a substantial increase during his tenure, reaching approximately *US$27.48 billion in the fiscal year 2017-18*. His administration aimed to attract Saudi investments in various sectors, including infrastructure and energy.

4. Cultural and Educational Exchanges

Dr. Singh's government recognized the importance of cultural ties in strengthening bilateral relations. During his visit, he received an honorary doctorate from *King Saud University* and oversaw the signing of an MoU between the *Indian Institute of Science* and *King Saud University* for cooperation in education and research. This fostered greater academic collaboration and exchange between the two countries.

5. Focus on Strategic Energy Cooperation

Dr. Singh's tenure was marked by a concerted effort to secure energy needs for India. The agreements signed during his administration ensured a reliable supply of crude oil from Saudi Arabia, which was vital for India’s energy security. The emphasis on energy cooperation helped reinforce Saudi Arabia's status as a key partner in India’s economic growth.

6. Strengthening Security Cooperation

Recognizing the importance of security in the bilateral relationship, Dr. Singh's government sought to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism and regional security. The strategic partnership established during his tenure included discussions on mutual concerns regarding terrorism and regional stability, aligning both nations on these critical issues.

7. Promoting People-to-People Contacts

Dr. Singh advocated for increased people-to-people contacts, acknowledging the large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which numbers over 1.8 million. He highlighted their contributions to the Saudi economy during his speeches, fostering goodwill and enhancing bilateral ties at the grassroots level.

8. Establishing a Framework for Future Relations

Dr. Singh laid the groundwork for sustained bilateral engagement by establishing a framework for future cooperation. His pragmatic approach to foreign policy allowed for continued collaboration on a wide range of issues, ensuring that India-Saudi Arabia relations remained dynamic and responsive to changing global circumstances.

Dr. Manmohan Singh's leadership was instrumental in redefining and strengthening India-Saudi Arabia relations. His efforts in fostering high-level dialogues, enhancing economic ties, promoting cultural exchanges, and addressing security concerns have left a lasting impact on the bilateral relationship. His vision has paved the way for ongoing collaboration, making India a key partner for Saudi Arabia in the region and beyond.