Dammam: Security crises in the Gulf region are a matter of serious concern for India, according to Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan. Speaking in a special interview with Arab News, he said that developments affecting the Gulf have direct implications for India’s national interests.
The ambassador noted that the Gulf is India’s most important neighboring region. Nearly 10 million Indians live across the Middle East, including about 2.7 million in Saudi Arabia. As a result, the region’s security and stability are closely linked to India’s interests.
India also relies heavily on Gulf countries, its largest trading partners, for energy supplies and fertilizers. Any disruption in the region therefore carries significant importance for India.
Dr. Khan said diplomatic engagement between India and Saudi Arabia has intensified during recent regional tensions. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have spoken by telephone twice in the context of the crisis, while ministers and senior officials from both countries remain in regular contact.
He stated that India has repeatedly condemned attacks by Iran against Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. At the same time, India continues to advocate dialogue, de-escalation, and peaceful resolution of conflicts.
India’s position on the matter is clear, he said. The Strait of Hormuz must remain open and free from disruption. Freedom of navigation and uninterrupted trade routes are essential not only for the countries of the region but for the global economy as a whole.
Addressing maritime security concerns, the ambassador said attacks on commercial vessels operating in Gulf waters deserve urgent attention and condemnation. Indian sailors working aboard commercial ships near the coast of Oman have already lost their lives amid regional tensions.
Such incidents raise serious concerns about maritime security, he said, adding that continued attacks targeting civilian infrastructure and shipping routes are deeply unfortunate.
Dr. Khan also expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support in helping Indian citizens return home safely during times of crisis. Saudi Arabia kept its airspace open during the conflict, providing significant relief. Saudi authorities also issued around 15,000 transit visas for Indians stranded in neighboring countries. The assistance benefited not only Indians residing in Saudi Arabia but also those in other GCC states seeking a safe route home.
According to the ambassador, the personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has provided the political momentum needed to elevate bilateral relations to new levels. He said the Crown Prince holds India and its people in high regard, a sentiment reflected in remarks made during his visit to India in 2023.
Dr. Khan said that around 30 ministerial-level visits had taken place between the two countries during that period.
Economic cooperation has also expanded alongside political ties. Bilateral trade has now exceeded $42 billion, while Indian exports to Saudi Arabia have recorded strong growth. The number of Indian companies operating in the Kingdom has risen from about 490 to 5,000.
Among the most significant projects currently under discussion are two oil refineries planned as joint ventures between Saudi energy giant Aramco and Indian companies.
Dr. Khan said the Indian community in Saudi Arabia is respected, secure, and well integrated into local society. Through their businesses, cuisine, films, and everyday interactions, Indians help strengthen cultural ties between the two nations. He described the expatriate community as the true “living bridge” connecting India and Saudi Arabia.
Having completed his tenure in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan will soon return to India’s Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi. Vipul, currently India’s Ambassador to Qatar, will succeed him as India’s next envoy to Saudi Arabia.