Diplomatist Magazine Diplomatist August 2018 | Page 21

milestone in the bilateral relationship, with
the dynamics of counterterrorism becoming a
common area of concern and collaboration for
the countries as they work to share strategies
and missions. The visit also ensured the Prime
Minister of the belief and support of the King
in India’s ‘Digital India’ and ‘Make in India’
missions which very well compliments Saudi’s
‘Vision 2030’. At this year’s Al-Jandriyah,
Sushma Swaraj re-affi rmed India’s promise in
promoting international peace and combating
terrorism across the globe and thanked the
King for ensuring the well being of the Indian
community residing in the Kingdo.
Al-Janadriyah is very unique in its existence
and beliefs, especially in a time when most
of the world no longer dwells in the history
and past cultures of a place or people. In
this regard, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
brings life to what seems lost for most people
across the world. The festival celebrations are
somewhat of a once in a life-time experience,
encompassing things which only Saudi Arabia
is capable of making real. The idea of a host
country is a very delightful way of reaffi rming
bilateral relations and is a step towards making
the global fraternity stronger. The world has
known Saudi Arabia for its oil, deserts and, of
course, ‘Arabian Nights’, but Al-Janadriyah
is a method of narrating to the citizens of the
world about the culture, history and traditions
that thrive in between the sands of the Kingdom
of Saudi Arabia.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Diplomatist • Vol 6 • Issue 8 • August 2018, Noida • 21
showcase of traditional costumes, Indian
perfumes, calligraphy, spices, artefacts, and
socio-cultural heritage. A colourful display of
Yoga, Ayurveda, textiles and tourism was a
signifi cant part of the pavilion, but when the
beats of Indian folk dances such as Kathakali,
Kalariyaptu, Kathak, Manipuri, Bhangra,
Ghoomar were being performed, the sand
dunes vibrated and the desert changed colours.
A cultural program was also performed by the
International Indian Schools in Riyadh, Jubail
and Dammam, and the Indian community’s
participation was also planned by the Embassy
of India in Riyadh.
The festival can be seen through a cultural
perspective where every year two countries
come together to give each other a glimpse of
their own history, culture and traditions, but
these events can also be read from a political
perspective. The relationship between Saudi
Arabia and India in modern times dates back
to the post-Cold War era when Saudi Arabia
provided a market to meet India’s demands.
Both countries hold similar positions in their
regions as the key players seeking to stabilise
the border regions and institutionalise long-
term security. The stabilisation of the Persian
Gulf has emerged as a top priority for Middle
East, which is well reflected in the Indian
government’s foreign policies under the
ministership of Smt. Sushma Swaraj. The
2016 visit of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri
Narendra Modi to Riyadh also marked a new