The Indian government is eager to open higher educational institutes in the Kingdom, a visiting Indian minister said here recently. “If any Indian university approaches us with such a proposal, the Government of India will take up the issue with relevant Saudi authorities,” E. Ahmed who is the minister of state for External Affairs and Human Resource Development, Government of India, said during the inaugural silver jubilee celebrations of Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC) in Dammam recently. “”So far no such proposal has, however, been made.” He told a gathering of Indian community leaders that he has asked embassy officials to get permission from Saudi authorities to open Indian schools in Makkah and Madina. The minister said that strategic relations between Saudi Arabia and India gained strength after the visit of King Abdullah, the Custodian of Two Holy Mosques, as the chief guest of the Republic day celebrations in 2006. “After the King's visit, Saudi-Indo relations in Commercial, Industrial, Energy and Educational sectors are increased,” he said.. Praising Saudi Arabia's positive attitude while providing sufficient oil to India, the minister said that the UPA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Sing, is keen to further strengthen the relations between India and the Arab countries, the Kingdom in particular. The minister was elated to share his experiences at Madina with the Anti Narcotic Director General who said that among the drug cases reported in the country, Indians had a better track record. Later the minister presented Shihab Thangal Memorial Falcon Award which is organized by KMCC, to Sideek Ahmed for his contribution in welfare and social activities. __
