India reaffirms solidarity with Saudi Arabia, condemns Houthi attacks

JEDDAH — Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Vipul has reaffirmed India's unwavering solidarity with Saudi Arabia amid the exceptionally difficult circumstances prevailing in the region, strongly condemning the Houthi attacks targeting civilian and energy infrastructure in the Kingdom and expressing hope for the swift restoration of peace and normalcy. “India stands in complete solidarity with our Saudi brothers and sisters during the very difficult situations prevailing in the region. We condemn in the strongest manner the attacks which are taking place on civilian and energy infrastructure in the Kingdom. We hope peace and normalcy will soon return to the region,” he said while speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette during his visit to the headquarters of Okaz Organization for Press and Publication in Jeddah on Sunday. The ambassador was received by Editor-in-Chief of Okaz newspaper and General Supervisor of Saudi Gazette Jameel Altheyabi and Director General of Okaz Organization Abdullah Al-Hassoun.The meeting between Vipul and Altheyabi focused on further consolidating the strategic partnership between the two nations. The ambassador emphasized that Saudi-Indian relations are anchored in a long and distinguished history of friendship and close ties between the two countries and their peoples.“What is most important in relations between India and Arabia is the people-to-people connection that began several centuries ago and now serves as the foundation of relations between the two countries. These historic ties continue to flourish under the leadership of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman,” he said. Vipul underscored the significance of the recent exchange of visits between the leadership of the two countries, highlighting their pivotal role in deepening bilateral relations and further consolidating the strategic partnership. He also expressed his commitment to building on these longstanding ties and expanding avenues of cooperation in ways that advance the shared interests of both nations. “Our focus is now on promoting trade and investment. We have a wonderful and extensive energy relationship, which will continue to grow further in the years to come. We are also working together to expand cooperation in technology, culture, and education, with a strong focus on sustainability. Given the large young populations in both India and KSA, we see enormous opportunities and possibilities,” he said. The ambassador expressed hope that India and Saudi Arabia would continue to demonstrate new pathways for the world through their growing partnership. “We also work not only bilaterally but also in the G20 and other multilateral organizations,” he said, highlighting the importance of cooperation on international platforms alongside their expanding bilateral engagement. Vipul also commended Okaz and Saudi Gazette for their keen interest in covering developments in India and their role in showcasing the diverse dimensions of India-Saudi relations. He expressed his eagerness to maintain and strengthen engagement and cooperation with both publications. During the visit, the ambassador was shown archival coverage of India published in both newspapers. The delegation was also briefed on a presentation tracing the history and evolution of Saudi-Indian relations and toured a pavilion displaying historical photographs and articles published by Okaz newspaper, reflecting its extensive coverage of bilateral ties over the decades. Vipul was accompanied by Consul General of India Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri; Consul of Commerce & Press, Information & Culture Mohammed Shabeer K; and other officials. The meeting was also attended by Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Okaz Abdullah Obaian; Assistant Editor-in-Chief Khalid Al-Jarallah; Managing Editor of Saudi Gazette Anas Alyusuf; and several other officials and editors from the two newspapers.