Petroleum Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar has expressed optimism that Indo-Saudi ties would touch a new high in the coming days when Crown Prince Abdullah Bin Abdul-Aziz, the Deputy Premier and Commander of the National Guard visits India. "The Crown Prince has accepted an invitation to visit India," Aiyar said. "The dates need to be finalized." Saudi Arabia has come to recognize India as a significant power and begun to take the country seriously, according to Aiyar, who begins a three-day landmark visit to the Kingdom tomorrow. Crediting Saudi Arabia with taking the initiative to put Indo-Saudi relations on firmer ground, Aiyar said: "I have received signals from Saudi Arabia that they regard us as a significant power. I have been happy to reciprocate." Aiyar highlighted the increasing importance of India's requirements for oil. He said: "India is a significant importer of petroleum. We are going to become more so. Saudi Arabia recognizes this fact." In an exclusive interview with Arab News, which was published today, Aiyar said Saudi Arabia exports 25 percent of India's crude petroleum requirements and the bulk of its petroleum products. The Indian Petroleum Minister said he is optimistic about fruitful dialogue in the area of hydrocarbons. --MORE 1021 Local Time 0721 GMT
