Indo-Arab relations are deep-rooted and date back to several centuries of Arab andIndian civilizations. India and the Arab world, though not only proximate neighbours, but are closely bound by their historical, civilizational and cultural links.The relations can be said to be proudly based to a great extent on the common culture while taking into consideration the historical past of both the civilizations.
There has been a remarkable development in the existing bonds of friendship between India and the Arab World in recent years. The thrust has undoubtedly come from both sides, and a growing conviction, that is building up a strong partnership, developing an active and practical agenda of cooperation, and shaping a dynamic future in the mutual interest of our two regions.
In today’s critical scenario when the world is faced with the economic meltdown, a new era begins in the relations between India and the Arab world. Their relations have now assumed a greater significance politically. Both the regions now share closer and stronger economic, cultural and social ties. The League of Arab States in its endeavour, is committed to continue its efforts to further promote stronger trade initiatives and business opportunities and stronger ties between India and the Arab world.
India and Arab countries enhanced their relations since they got independence in the middle of the last century. Today they require further cooperation in trade and investment to contribute significantly to revive the world economy. And for all this, it is essential that the infrastructure of terrorism must be dismantled so that there are no safe passages left for the terrorists to carry their inhuman activities as they do not represent any cause, region or religion. It is high time we reached an agreement on a Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. The Indian Prime Minister recently urged at the NAM Summit that developing countries must be fully represented in decision-making at international levels in order to remain effective and have the legitimacy they need, to play their role in an increasingly integrated world.
To boost partnerships between the two regions, bilateral ties in the recent times have played a key role in further building up of stronger international relations. There have been sincere and dedicated initiatives between the two sides such as the visits of Arab leaders to India, including the King of Saudi Arabia, the King of Morocco, President of Egypt, President of Syria, President of Algeria, Ameer of Kuwait, the Prime Minister of the U.A.E. and significant visits of the Indian Prime Minister to Libya, Oman and Qatar earlier and his recent visit to Egypt. A significant initiative was taken with the visit of the Secretary General, Arab League, His Excellency Mr. Amre Moussa, to India, in December last year which resulted in the signing of the Memorandum of Co-operation between the Republic of India and the League of Arab States on the establishment of an Arab-Indian Co-operation Forum to boost mutual cooperation, and a step forward in strengthening the friendly ties between India and the Arab world.
The Indo-Arab Forum, as is believed, will serve as a tool to initiate various activities covering the areas of trade and investment, which is very important for further strengthening of Indo-Arab relations, as also human resource development, cultural exchange programmes as well as cooperation in the field of information communication and technology, etc.
The memorandum is a comprehensive document and concentrates not only on the political but economic, social and cultural aspects too. Following the signing of the Memorandum of Co-operation, the efforts are now focused on the successful and practical implementation of the memorandum in its true spirit.
Several Arab countries being littoral states of the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea, which is one of the many Cords that bind the two sides and many of them are embarking on cooperative projects with India on multiple sectors.
As the MEA has stated that India is in a position to absorb 500 billion dollars Arab investment in the infrastructure alone in the next five years to meet the growing infrastructural needs.
The Arab world is an important source of energy for India as almost 70% of India’s energy requirements are sourced from our region. And, no doubt that nearly five million Indians who live in the Arab world have contributed significantly to the development of the countries in the region. Besides energy security, the Arab world also gives important consideration for Indian cooperation related to the food security aspect.
The League of Arab States has keenly taken several initiatives to strengthen the ties between the two regions like participating actively in several forums. As part of strengthening the ties between the two regions, there was also organization of the Arab Cultural Festival along with the Partnership Conference in 2008. The event contributed immensely to the growth and development of not only the economies of the two regions but also resulted in the enrichment of art and culture in both India and the Arab countries. The event witnessed the dance and musical performances with participation of around 450 performing artists from several Arab countries. There was also screening of award winning Arab films at the festival. Several Arab Cultural Ministers and eminent scholars too participated in the event.
To give further boost to the economic, social, cultural relations that exist between the two sides, the League of Arab States and India aim to mobilize Arab countries to participate substantively in various forthcoming programmes like,
* the prestigious India International Trade Fair (IITF),
* The India-Arab Investment Projects Conclave being organized in association with FICCI which is scheduled to be held in February 2010 in New Delhi.
* Universities cooperation programmes mainly in scientific areas to make use of the latest technological advancements made in India. Also, having TWINSHIP arrangements among libraries in India and their counterparts in Arab countries, and establishment of a digital database of Indian and Arabic manuscripts.
* To prepare for the next Indo-Arab Cultural Festival in one of the Arab countries, as part of the India-Arab Partnership Forum.
* Implementation of integrated cooperation in the media sector which will provide a platform for visits by prominent journalists from both sides. It would also provide desirable understanding and coordination among the journalists in both the regions.
Such initiatives and many more will certainly contribute to building-up and further strengthening of the cultural relations between India and the Arab world.
In this age of globalization, there is a need for us to take into account the changing scenario, and to get ourselves equipped appropriately to meet the challenges of today.
There is also the need for increased investments, joint ventures and project participation between India and the countries in the Arab region to benefit mutually. We thus need to further focus our efforts for the development of partnership and the creation of new avenues of growth and development and at the same time strengthening the existing ones.
