INDIA
Amid a raging debate on RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's remarks on 'Hindu' identity, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj on Thursday stoked the debate further, saying many illustrious families in Arab world have surnames 'al-Hindi', implying that 'Hindu' or 'Hindi' were not identities, confined to a particular religion. Inaugurating India-League of Arab States Media Symposium here she also mentioned that 'Hind' was still a popular name being used by many Arab women.
She, however, assured delegates that there was no change in India's policy of supporting Palestinian cause, expressing concern at the loss of lives in Gaza. She asked both sides to exercise restraint. The minister said India was concerned about the rising militancy, fanaticism in parts of the Arab world and assured Arab nations that New Delhi was committed for greater dialogue during challenging times in various Arab countries.
Maintaining that West Asia was an economic backbone for India, Swaraj said the region accounts for 60% of India's oil and gas requirements and 7 million diaspora in the region send home US $40 billion remittances annually, helping to swell country's forex reserves. She invited Arab businessmen to invest in infrastructure projects in India.
"In this context, the sizable Sovereign Wealth Funds of Gulf countries can offer significant platform for operations of Indian companies and prove to be a game-changer in India's quest for world-class infrastructure," she said.
Swaraj also invoked noted Egyptian poet Ahmed Shawki's famous lines on Mahatma Gandhi to describe the relationship between India and the Arab countries.
"Even during their national Independence movements, India and Arab nationalists maintained close relationship. When Gandhi passed by the Suez Canal on the way back from the Round Table Conference in 1931, Ahmed Shawki, the famous Egyptian poet wrote an entire poem praising him," she said.
Shawki wrote, "Oh sons of Egypt! Raise the Laurel and salute the Indian hero. He is like the apostles in defending right and virtue. He called on Hindus and Islam to intimacy and friendliness".
The Father of the Nation had attended the Conference in London accompanied by leaders like Madan Mohan Malaviya, Muhammad Iqbal and Sir Syed Ali Imam, among others.
Swaraj quoted these lines to emphasise that India and Arab world are not new friends and partners, but their relationship that dates back centuries.
Apart from referring a poetic work, Swaraj also touched upon historical land archaeological links between India and the Arab region.
"Archaeologists have found evidence of trade links between the Harappan civilisation and that of the Dilmun in the Gulf. Some archaeological sites in Sharjah show the ancient links between the Indian continent and the Arabian Peninsula," she said.
The minister said continued trade between the two regions have enriched the two cultures through cuisine, cinema and music, among others.
— With inputs from Agency
Delhi: All primary schools closed, classes shifted to online mode due to rising pollution levels
BIG trouble for Anil Ambani, criminal charges against his Rs 14422 crore company over...
Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3 producer calls Singham Again team 'unfair' after the box office win
From Play to Pay, Gaming Is Big Business And A Genuine Professional Prospect
Leasehold vs Freehold: Exploring Options for Expats and Investors in Dubai
Mukesh Ambani's Reliance, Disney complete Rs 70352 crore media merger, to be headed by...
Badshah lands in legal trouble, case registered against rapper for...
GRAP III imposed in Delhi: What is allowed, what is banned amid 'severe' air quality
'Throwing me in deep end': Ricky Ponting takes fresh dig at Gautam Gambhir over Virat Kohli remarks
Revolutionizing Inventory Management in the Cloud Era: Pradeep Kumar’s Strategic Innovations
Delhi: AAP's Mahesh Khichi elected mayor as party defeats BJP in MCD polls
Delhi Air Pollution: GRAP 3 to be imposed in national capital from Nov 15, strict ban on...
WATCH: Inside Rinku Singh's Rs 3.5 crore luxurious house with rooftop bar, private pool
Renowned Yoga Guru Sharath Jois passes away at 53 after suffering heart attack
NASA alert! Giant 'God Of Chaos' asteroid set for close approach to Earth, may trigger astroquakes
UPPSC protest BIG update: RO-ARO exam postponed, PCS prelims to be held in one day
This man earned more money than Mukesh Ambani and world's richest man Elon Musk in one day, he is...
'World's best....': Japan vlogger's reaction to Bengaluru airport goes viral
Sania Mirza named Sports Ambassador of THIS city, not Delhi, Hyderabad, Jaipur
Shloka Mehta turns heads in sleek white gown at Tira store launch, see pics
Amid Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai divorce rumours, Jaya Bachchan surprises everyone with...
IND vs SA: Arshdeep Singh goes past Bhuvneshwar Kumar to become Indian pacer with most....
Mukesh Ambani, Isha Ambani’s luxury retail chain opens new store at...
PM Modi to receive Dominica’s highest national award for...
Shraddha Kapoor says people with big foreheads are…
'Busy making...': Kanhaiya Kumar sparks row with remarks on Devendra Fadnavis' wife; BJP hits back
'Full baarati vibes': Vietnamese man's epic 'nagin dance' steals show at Mumbai event
Tilak Varma credits THIS player for his century against South Africa, says 'He gave me...'
UPSC IFS Mains Admit Card 2024 to be released today at upsc.gov.in, check direct link to download
'Be prepared for...': Rupali Ganguly's stepdaughter Esha Verma REACTS to Rs 50 crore defamation case
Saudi, Iran: Cautious dance toward détente?
Anushka Sharma shares glimpse of Children’s Day special dish for daughter Vamika, son Akaay
Jaw-dropping! Man wraps massive green anaconda around his shoulders, internet says...
Donald Trump plans to end Russia-Ukraine war with THIS move, is expected to 'soon' appoint...
As pollution worsens in Delhi with AQI at 'severe' level, experts at COP29 urge India to...
SDM Assault Case: 60 people arrested in Rajasthan's Tonk
Veg thali cost more than non-veg thali in October, here's why
Land drug trafficking patterns in North-Eastern Region
Shillong Teer Result November 14, 2024: Know updates on lucky winning numbers
Mukesh Ambani's SUPERHIT offer for Jio users: Get unlimited validity for 84 days at just Rs...
Delhi air quality dips to 'severe' category as AQI nears dangerous...
Bigg Boss OTT-fame Bhojpuri actress Akshara Singh receives extortion threat
‘All I do is…’: After Arjun Kapoor confirms breakup with Malaika Arora, her cryptic video goes viral
World Diabetes Day 2024: Types, causes, precaution to avoid this chronic disease
Children's Day 2024: 50 WhatsApp wishes, messages, quotes to share on bal diwas
AUS vs PAK Live Streaming: When and where to watch Australia vs Pakistan 1st T20I live in India?
IND vs SA: Ramandeep Singh achieves THIS feat on T20I debut, joins Suryakumar Yadav in elite list
Meet man who used to earn just Rs 65, now heads Rs 23416 crore company, he is…