Riyadh Declaration and India-Arab Relations

The joint declaration issued at the conclusion of the three-day visit by Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh to Saudi Arabia can be described as highly significant from the viewpoint of further strengthening relations between India and Saudi Arabia. Not only is the declaration quite significant with regard to India's commerce and trade relations and interests, it also opens the doors of progress in various sectors including science, technology, and economic activities.

Joint Declaration
Prior to the Riyadh Declaration, the two countries had issued the Delhi Declaration in 2006, which contained the determination of the two countries to give a new direction to their relations. The Riyadh Declaration, therefore, can be termed an extension of the Delhi Declaration. In recent times, relations between the countries have largely improved. At the same time, it is equally true that the ever-increasing India-Israel relations are being viewed by the entire Arab world, including Saudi Arabia, with grave concern.

As for Saudi Royal Family, their relations with India are gaining strength in spite of India-Israel relations. In 2006, Saudi King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz al-Saud was invited as the chief guest on the occasion of Republic Day Parade. It was on this occasion that the Delhi Declaration was issued. Since then, relations between the countries have largely improved in various fields of human endeavor. The prime minister's recent Saudi Arabia visit should be seen as a link in the chain of increasing mutual cooperation. The External Affairs Ministry has also described the Riyadh Declaration as a step forward, after the Delhi Declaration.

During their meeting, the two leaders not only reviewed implementation of the Delhi Declaration but also expressed satisfaction on progress in their relations. Realizing the significance of developing cooperation in strategic collaboration in the energy sector and cooperation in the sector of renewable sources of energy, the two countries decided to initiate more measures in this direction.

Saudi Arabia is among those few countries that export crude oil. Its cooperation in this field can prove beneficial to the two countries. It is worth a mention that many projects in various parts of the country are in search of crude oil. The prime minister has invited Saudi Arabia to cooperate in these projects, which indicates how much significance India attaches to Saudi Arabia in exploration of crude oil.

Working Under G20 Framework
The two have emphasized the need of a multidimensional economic collaboration and have reiterated their resolve to work under the G20 framework. Saudi Arabia is one of the richest countries in the world. Economic cooperation with that country, particularly its investment in India, assumes great significance.

Besides extending cooperation in the economic field, the Riyadh Declaration expresses concern over terrorism, extremism and violence, and has described these as threat to human society everywhere. The most significant aspect of the declaration, however, is the signing of nine agreements, including the one on extradition.

Extradition Treaty
Signing of the extradition treaty, and exchange of persons legally and lawfully punished by each other, would make it difficult to seek refuge and asylum in the other country. Even terrorists and extremists who are punished would find it difficult to seek safe haven in the other country. The joint strategy the two countries have decided to formulate is highly significant from India's viewpoint.

As a whole, the Riyadh Declaration and the agreements signed between the countries would further enhance cooperation and give a fillip to their relations.