Riyadh : An Indian all-party parliamentary delegation visiting Riyadh has praised Saudi Arabia’s unwavering stance against terrorism. The delegation arrived on a two-day visit aimed at sharing India’s perspective on counterterrorism efforts, particularly in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Indian military operation, ‘Sindoor’.
The Indian representatives held formal discussions with senior Saudi officials, including Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Mishaal Al-Sulami and Major General Abdul Rahman Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Friendship Committee. Later, the team met with Adel Al-Jubeir, Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and the Kingdom’s representative to the UN Climate Committee. The meetings addressed bilateral concerns and areas of mutual interest.
The delegation lauded Saudi Arabia’s strong measures in combating terrorism and stressed the importance of global cooperation in eradicating extremist threats.
Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi
On Wednesday morning, the delegation paid floral tribute at the Mahatma Gandhi statue at the Indian Embassy premises. They also held discussions with Indian Ambassador Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan and later engaged with senior Saudi officials, cultural and business leaders, highlighting India’s vision and commitment to fighting terrorism.
The visit will conclude today (Thursday) with further meetings across various sectors. A special interactive session titled “Meet the Indian Delegation” will be held at the Indian Embassy’s multipurpose hall from 3:00 to 4:30 PM for Indian expatriate community representatives and media personnel.
Warm Welcome at Riyadh Airport
The seven-member team arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Tuesday night and was formally received by Major General Abdul Rahman Al-Harbi and Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy.
Originally an eight-member team was designated to visit Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Algeria. However, former Union Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was hospitalized during the Kuwait visit due to illness, had to return to India, leaving a seven-member delegation to proceed to Saudi Arabia.
Delegation Composition
The delegation is led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda and includes:
- Dr. Nishikant Dubey (BJP), Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Communications and IT
- Phangnon Konyak (BJP)
- Rekha Sharma (BJP)
- Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM)
- Satnam Singh Sandhu (MP)
- Harsh Vardhan Shringla, former Foreign Secretary
Following the completion of the Riyadh leg, the delegation is scheduled to depart for Algeria on Friday.
