New Delhi, Aug 11 (IANS) Ahead of assuming charge at the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador-designate Vipul stated that the two nations share “historic and special ties” and expressed confidence that the relationship between the two nations will scale newer heights in the coming years.

In an interview with Arab News, Vipul said that he feels “honoured and privileged” that the Indian government has given him the responsibility to serve in Saudi Arabia.

On June 2, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) appointed Vipul as India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, and he is expected to take up the assignment shortly. He is presently serving as India’s Ambassador to Qatar.

On India-Saudi Arabia ties, he said: “Our relationship is historic, it’s special and, of course, it is strategic.” He said that the interests of both nations converge and always intersect and stressed that it is important for India and Saudi Arabia to strengthen the strategic relationship in the current situation.”

“I only see our relationship going further, going to newer heights in the coming years. Over the last decade, our relationship has really strengthened,” he said.

The diplomat stated that India and Saudi Arabia share strategic ties and the relations between the two nations have strengthened in various sectors over the past three years. He said that India and Saudi Arabia remain closely connected at the highest levels at the political level, with regular meetings being held between the two nations under the Strategic Partnership Council, including at the ministerial level.

He also said that the regional situation in West Asia is “very concerning to everyone across the world” and termed it important for India and Saudi Arabia to remain in touch.

Asked whether the two nations can cooperate to help restore stability in West Asia, he said: “There has been a constant touch at the leadership level between our countries. It’s very important that we have stability in the region, and that essentially for India, it is the development which is the most important for the country.”

On March 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephonic conversation with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the conflict in West Asia. He also thanked him for his support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.

Following their talks, PM Modi in a post on X wrote, “Spoke with Crown Prince and PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman and discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia. I reiterated India’s condemnation of attacks on regional energy infrastructure.”

“We agreed on the need to ensure freedom of navigation and keeping shipping lines open and secure. Thanked him for his continued support for the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia,” he added.

The conversation between both leaders took place during the conflict in West Asia, which erupted following the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. In response, Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting the US and Israeli facilities, regional capitals and allied forces in West Asia.

–IANS

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