Indian ambassador highlights Indo-Arab relations

AMMAN — The history of Indo-Arab relations goes back to first traders who connected the Indian subcontinent with the Levant and West Asia; these relations were not limited to the exchange of goods, but also encompassed ideas and scientific innovations, according to Indian Ambassador Anil Trigunayat.

“Even in Jordan,” Trigunayat said at a lecture late last week, “Little Petra was frequented by Indian traders and travellers,” as a transit route to regional and western markets.

“According to Ancient Egyptian inscriptions, India’s commercial and cultural linkages with the Arab world are known to have existed since the 3rd millennium BC,” Trigunayat said during the lecture, titled “Indo-Arab Relations: Perspectives and Prospects”, held at the Arab Thought Forum (ATF).

According to the ambassador, India is “probably the largest investor in Jordan with $1.5 billion in phosphates and textiles, and is the third largest trading partner of this country with $2.2 billion in bilateral trade”.

“A trade target of $5 billion by 2025 has been set,” Trigunayat explained.

India and Jordan launched their diplomatic relations 65 years ago and they were established on a foundation of mutual respect and cooperation, he added.

Speaking at the lecture, ATF Secretary General Mohammad Abu Hammour emphasised the importance of Indian-Arab relations, highlighting commonalities between the two cultures.

One of the core issues in Indian-Arab relations has been the Palestinian issue, Trigunayat said, where India calls for a just resolution for the crisis. 

Like Jordan, India’s stance remains “steadfast and unwavering, supporting of a negotiated solution resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital”, the ambassador noted.

“India has played a proactive role in garnering support for this cause... We have called upon both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a comprehensive resolution of the Palestinian issue; we have been happy to provide budgetary, economic and developmental assistance to Palestine,” Trigunayat explained.