Hyderabad emerges as a global scientific hub, says senior diplomat Dr Ausaf Sayeed
Siasat News| Updated: 14th January 2025 9:52 pm IST
Hyderabad: Once celebrated as a city of pearls and palaces, Hyderabad is now carving a niche on the global scientific map, according to Dr Ausaf Sayeed, India’s former ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Speaking at a ceremony on Sunday honouring the newly elected leaders of two prominent organisations—AFMI and MESCO—Dr. Sayeed called on Muslim students to expand their academic horizons beyond traditional fields like medicine and engineering.
The event, held at the Media Plus Auditorium, marked the silver jubilee celebrations of Gawah, an Urdu weekly, and the Media Plus Foundation. It drew luminaries from the fields of education, science, and community leadership.
Dr. Sayeed underscored Hyderabad’s emergence as a hub for international scientific conventions, highlighting the city’s growing significance in the global research community. Congratulating Ahmed Alam Khan, the newly appointed president of MESCO, he paid tribute to the late Nawab Shah Alam Khan, a pioneering advocate of education.
He also recalled the contributions of the late Dr. Fakhruddin Mohammed, MESCO secretary, whose work extended from India to the Gulf States, fostering educational opportunities for expatriate communities.
“Educational institutions run by the Muslim community here are doing exemplary work,” Dr. Sayeed said, urging parents and educators to prepare students for competitive exams to position them as leaders of tomorrow. He shared updates on his forthcoming book, Indian Muslim Women, and reflected on the success of his earlier work, India: Art and Culture.
Ahmed Alam Khan reaffirmed MESCO’s mission to enhance the community’s educational and economic progress. Dr. Akber Mohammed, a prominent US-based cardiologist and educator, emphasised the need for collective action to address educational disparities, while Indiana-based psychiatrist Dr. Mohammed Qutbuddin, speaking from his experiences in the United States, encouraged the fearless pursuit of lofty goals.
The Sunday ceremony honoured Sana Qutbuddin, the new AFMI President, who outlined her vision for the organisation’s future initiatives.
The series of events included the launch of Hayat Azm-o-Himmat, a book by Dr. Tabrez Hussain Taj chronicling the life and interviews of Dr. Mohammed Qutbuddin. Mementoes were presented to several distinguished attendees, including Dr Sayeed, Ahmed Alam Khan, Dr Akber Mohammed, Dr Altaf Akber, Dr Imamuddin Head, Cardiology Department Osmania and Sana Qutbuddin.
The event began with a welcome address by Dr Syed Fazil Hussain Parvez. Engineer Syed Khaled Shahbaaz moderated the programme, while Haneef Ahmed and Dr. Mohammed Abdul Rasheed Junaid welcomed the guests.
Read the news on Siasat.com, Gawah Weekly and Gawah’s YouTube channel.
Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago celebrates the Contributions of Dr. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and Dr. Bharat Barai
The Ad Hoc Committee (Repairs) of The Hindu Temple of Greater Chicago (HTGC) recently celebrated the outstanding contributions of Dr. Darshan Dhaliwal and Dr. Bharat Barai, MD, at the Sama Rathi Auditorium.
The event was attended by special guests including India’s Consul General in Chicago Somnath Ghosh, Swami Ishatmananda of the Vivekananda Vedanta Society, Swami Sharanananda of Chinmaya Mission’s Badri, Ausaf Sayeed, India’s former Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and former Consul General of India in Chicago.
It honored Dr. Dhaliwal and Dr. Barai, recipients of the prestigious Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, the highest honor given by the Government of India to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). The Indian community of Greater Chicago joined in celebrating this achievement.
Darshan Singh Dhaliwal was introduced by Dr. Khaira and Mr. Happy, followed by the presentation of a garland by Shri Somnath Ghosh, Consulate General of India, a shawl by Bhima Reddy, HTGC Past President, and a plaque by Dr. Gopal Srinivasan, HTGC President. Dr. Bharath Barai was introduced by Dr. Ramakrishnan Unni, with a garland presented by Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Former Ambassador of Saudi Arabia, a shawl by Prasanna Reddy, HTGC Past President, and a plaque by Dr. Gopal Srinivasan. Additionally, the Chicago Medical Society Chair presented and Dr. Tarikh Bhatt gave a speech in honor of Dr. Barai.
National India Hub, “Center of Excellence in Community Service” Inaugurated in Schaumburg, Illinois
India Post News Service
CHICAGO: A new era has dawned in the history of the United States, for Indian Diaspora with the inauguration of the first ever and the largest US Indian Community Service Center, the National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois on June 15, 2024.
The opening ceremony also coincided with the inauguration of a Yoga Fest in the presence of His Holiness Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, Founder of Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati.
The Hub, a Community, Cultural, and Recreational Center, is set to be a beacon of hope, uniting and empowering the community. The nonprofit Center’s mission is to provide comprehensive services and activities, each designed to make a positive impact on all US communities, of all age groups, fostering a sense of optimism and progress.
Harish Kolasani, Founder & Chairman of the National India Hub, passionately shared the Center’s mission and vision in an exclusive interview with the news media. He said that this iconic centre stands tall as the world’s largest Indian community centre, housing over 60 service organizations dedicated to serving the community without boundaries, which is already eligible for Gunnies World Record for having the highest number of service organizations under one roof.
The HUB offers a wide range of services, including preventive healthcare,
Health-related activities include mental and heart health-targeted programs, blood drives, basic health screenings, and community bystander CPR programs to enhance outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. Monthly mega-job fairs are also provided at the Center. Help desks representing the Indian and US Governments will be available soon. Programs tailored to senior citizens and youth including indoor games are a special feature at the Hub.
Dr. Vemuri Murthy, a well-known Indo-US Cardiac Resuscitation Expert, is the Founder of the Community Health and CPR Training Center at the National India Hub. Dr. Murthy said, “Bystander CPR programs for communities and high school students will be offered during weekends at the Training Center, with state-of-the-art resuscitation equipment involving a dedicated team of CPR instructors and volunteers.” The Chicago Medical Society is a partner of the CPR Training Center. Hon’ble Somnath Ghosh and Hon’ble Dr. Ausaf Sayeed received the Center’s First Two CPR Training Certificates during an exclusive “Celebrity CPR Training Program” conducted at the Training Center.
Harish Kolasani, on behalf of the Board Members of the National India Hub, expressed gratitude to the dignitaries and the 200+ attendees. He mentioned that until now National India Hub hasn’t taken any donations or grants from any org.
Senior diplomat Dr. Ausaf Sayeed retires
An IFS officer of 1989 batch, who served in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Denmark, United States of America, Seychelles and Yemen in various capacities.He served as Regional Passport Officer in Hyderabad in 1990s also.
Jeddah: A renowned Hyderabadi, senior diplomat, Secretary for Consular, Passport and Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs in MEA, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, retired on Saturday, ending his 33-year-long career in the foreign service.
Dr. Sayeed played a crucial role in strengthening Indo – Saudi Relations. He was also actively involved in arranging the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to New Delhi following the G-20 summit in New Delhi.
Speaking with ‘Telangana Today’ over the phone on his last day, Saturday, in the office, veteran diplomat commented he has been part of ushering a new era into Indo-Saudi relations. Also, said that he has received warm affection from the Indian Diaspora.
An IFS officer of 1989 batch, who served in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Denmark, United States of America, Seychelles and Yemen in various capacities.
He served as Regional Passport Officer in Hyderabad in 1990s also.
Dr. Sayeed is known as a people’s diplomat in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and USA where he served.
He was also instrumental in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Yoga between India and Saudi Arabia, the first such agreement signed by any Islamic nation with India. He is the one who brought categories in Indian Haj pilgrims.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed is a Hadhrami Arab, also commonly known as Chaush, by descent belonging to a respectable family of Hyderabad.
Meanwhile, the Centre’s Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has appointed Muktesh Kumar Pardeshi as the new Secretary (CPV & OIA) in the Ministry by replacing Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. Pardeshi was Special Secretary of G-20 operations.
India enjoying ‘unprecedented’ levels of engagement with KSA
- Saudi crown prince was in India on second state visit earlier this month
- Dozens of bilateral agreements were signed during the trip
NEW DELHI: Relations between Saudi Arabia and India have reached an unprecedented level of engagement, a top Indian foreign affairs official told Arab News after a flurry of cooperation agreements signed during the Saudi crown prince’s recent visit.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was on a state visit to India after participating in the G20 Summit in New Delhi earlier this month.
This was his second official trip to New Delhi, following a visit in February 2019, during which Saudi-Indian ties began to see a new level of engagement. In October of that year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Riyadh, where the two countries agreed to establish a strategic partnership council to navigate bilateral ties.
The council’s first meeting was held on Sept. 11 and co-chaired by both leaders, who also witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement on energy, including renewable energy cooperation, as well as memoranda on partnerships in digitization and electronic manufacturing, investment, banking, anti-corruption efforts, and seawater desalination.
Dozens of other bilateral deals in entrepreneurship, chemicals, and advanced manufacturing were signed during the Saudi-India Investment Forum on the sidelines of the crown prince’s visit.
“We should give credit to both the crown prince and our Prime Minister Modi for bringing this relationship now to unprecedented levels,” Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, secretary in charge of the Gulf region at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, told Arab News in a recent interview.
Sayeed, who has spent 10 years in Saudi Arabia, serving as New Delhi’s ambassador to Riyadh and earlier as its consul general in Jeddah, has observed over the years how it has been navigating its position as the “biggest player” in the whole region of West Asia, and a “geopolitical power.”
He saw significant potential for India to contribute to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 transformation plan and its ongoing megaprojects such as the multibillion-dollar NEOM smart city.
“There are many ways in which in India can contribute,” he said. “There are many Indian companies that have the technology expertise and international recognition to play a part in the construction of the cities like NEOM and all the projects that are there.”
He estimated that at least 2,700 Indian enterprises have been registered with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and India’s investment in the Kingdom has reached $2.15 billion, with investors interested particularly in the pharma, green hydrogen, renewable energy, IT, and cybersecurity sectors.
“The PM has already discussed with the crown prince the possibility of a start-up bridge. India is one of the biggest ecosystems of startups in the world. At the same time, Saudi Arabia has developed their own very good ecosystem to support startups,” Sayeed said.
“Although we are strategic partners, so many new initiatives are coming. There are ample opportunities where the potential is not fully utilized yet.”
India, Saudi recognize India-Middle East Economic Corridor as ‘biggest plurilateral agreement’
ANI | Updated: Sep 11, 2023 19:13 IST
New Delhi [India], September 11 (ANI): India, Saudi Arabia have recognized that the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor is “one of the biggest plurilateral agreements connecting several countries.”
Secretary of Consular, Passport and Visa Division (CPV) and Overseas Indian Affairs (OIA) Ausaf Sayeed on Monday said India, Saudi Arabia “recognised this as one of the major outcomes of the G20. It is one of the biggest such plurilateral agreements connecting several countries…”
He said that the corridor “is actually connecting our like-minded partner countries in different geographic zones which is extremely important…It is something which we are all looking forward to. It would need close coordination and work with all the partner countries in that.”
The CPV & OIA Secretary made the remarks during a special briefing on the State Visit of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India.
India, USA, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
The corridor will encourage and provide impetus to economic development through enhanced connectivity and economic integration between Asia, West Asia, the Middle East and Europe, as per sources.
The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor will consist of two separate corridors, the East corridor connecting India to West Asia/Middle East and the Northern corridor connecting West Asia/Middle East to Europe.
It will include a rail line, which upon completion, will provide a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network to supplement the existing multi-modal transport routes enhancing transhipment of goods and services between South East Asia through India to West Asia/Middle East Europe.
Connectivity with countries of the region remains a key priority for India and is deeply rooted in Indian civilizational history. India has always stood to invest, cooperate and build connectivity as part of “One Earth, One Family, One Future”.
Meanwhile, the Saudi Crown Prince arrived in Delhi on a three-day visit and stayed back after the G20 Summit for his state visit. Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a bilateral meeting in New Delhi.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and others were present in the meeting. (ANI)
India, Saudi Arabia keen on joint collaboration in defence manufacturing
Updated: Sep 11, 2023 18:18 IST
New Delhi [India], September 11 (ANI): Both India and Saudi Arabia are keen on joint collaboration in defence manufacturing and the two sides are also exploring the possibility of taking joint exercise to other domains, said a Ministry of External Affairs official.
In response to a query put forward by ANI on India-Saudi defence cooperation, MEA Secretary (CPV and OIA) Ausaf Sayeed, said, “I am happy to share with you that during this visit as many as eight agreements have been signed.”
Sayeed was addressing a special media briefing on the State visit of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
“We have an ongoing defence cooperation which is going on very well. We already had two rounds of the joint naval exercises. We are now exploring the possibility of taking these joint exercises to other domains other than the naval,” said the MEA Secretary.
“Other important aspect is the joint collaboration in terms of defence manufacturing. This is something which both sides are keen about,” added Sayeed in response to the ANI’s query.
“The Saudi side also has an inbuilt local manufacturing focus in their Vision 2030 and our companies have also shown interest in showing their capabilities, depending on the needs and capabilities matching the both sides,” he elaborated.
Recalling PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2019, he said that “an agreement was signed on defence cooperation in the manufacturing sector.”
“We would expect more such exercises and more involvement of Saudis in bilateral and multilateral exercises,” Sayeed said.
During PM Modi’s visit to Riyadh on October 28-29, 2019, the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) Agreement was signed, which established a high-level council to steer the Indo-Saudi relationship, Ministry of External Affairs said.
Twelve MoUs/Agreements were also signed during the visit across several fields, including energy, security, defence production, civil aviation, medical products, strategic petroleum reserves, small and medium scale industries, and training of diplomats.
The Saudi Crown Prince was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials.
The Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, who arrived here on a three-day State visit to India had attended the G20 Summit in the national capital over the weekend.
PM Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince also co-chaired the first Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council today.
The agenda included a broad range of areas of bilateral cooperation, including energy security, trade and investment, defence and security, healthcare, food security, culture and community welfare issues among others, according to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi.
Prior to his meeting with PM Modi, the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu welcomed the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The Saudi Crown Prince then inspected a combined defence services Guard of Honour. In a brief statement, Mohammed bin Salman congratulated India for a successful G20 presidency. (ANI)
India, Saudi Arabia inked 8 agreements during State visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince
ANI | Updated: Sep 11, 2023 17:23 IST
New Delhi [India], September 11 (ANI): India and Saudi Arabia have signed as many as eight agreements during the State visit of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, said Ministry of External Affairs on Monday.
Addressing a press briefing on the State visit of the Saudi Crown Prince, Secretary (CPV and OIA) Ausaf Sayeed said, “I am happy to share with you that during this visit as many as eight agreements have been signed.”
The agreements signed are in the field of energy, in the field of digitalization and electronic manufacturing, and cooperation between India’s Central Vigilance Commission and Saudi Anti-corruption. There was an agreement between the two investment entities, India and Saudi counterparts Exim banks, Small and Medium Enterprises Banks and an agreement on desalination. An agreement was also signed on renewable energy.
“One is the field of energy which was signed by the Saudi Minister of Energy and our Minister of New and Renewable Energy,” said Sayeed.
“Then there was an agreement between the agreement in the field of digitalisation and electronic manufacturing between the IT ministries of both sides,” he said.
Another agreement was between Central Vigilance Commission of India and its counterpart the Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority.
“And the fourth agreement was between the National Archives. Then there was an agreement between the two investment entities, that is Invest India on the Indian side and the Ministry of Investment on Saudi side,” said Sayeed.
“There was another agreement between the two EXIM banks and there was also another agreement between the Small and Medium Enterprises Bank banks of two sides, that is SIDBI and the SME Bank of Saudi Arabia,” the Secretary said, adding, “And the last one was in the field of Desalination.”
Over two dozen Memoranda of Understanding were signed between India and Saudi Arabia companies, ranging from Information Technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, and human resources, among other sectors.
“The Crown Prince congratulated India for a very successful G20 meeting with a lot of major outcomes in the meeting…The two sides expressed their happiness at the launching of the India-Middle East-Europe Corridor…PM also congratulated the Kingdom on becoming a full member of the BRICS…,” said the MEA Secretary.
These MoUs were signed between private companies of both countries, including Serum Institute of India, HP, VFS Global, and ICICI Bank. The signing of the MoUs was facilitated by Invest India and Saudi Arabia’s investment ministry.
The signing of the agreements happened as Saudi Arabian Prime Minister and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud began his State visit after having participated in the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The Saudi Crown Prince arrived in Delhi on a three-day visit on Saturday and stayed back after the G20 Summit for his state visit.
In a brief statement, Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated India for a successful G20 presidency.
“Well done India, a lot of announcements made that will benefit both our countries, the G20 countries and the whole world. So I want to say to India well done, and we will work to create a future for both countries” he said.
Earlier today, the Saudi Crown Prince was accorded a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The ceremonial welcome was followed by a bilateral between the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House. (ANI)
6th India-Arab Partnership Conference on “New Horizons in Investment, Trade & Services” (Photo Credit: FICCI)
India, Gulf Cooperation Council resume Free Trade Agreement talks: MEA Secy Ausaf Sayeed
ANI | Updated: Jul 12, 2023 21:06 IST
New Delhi [India], July 12 (ANI): Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV&OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, has informed of the resumption of discussions on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) at the 6th India Arab Partnership Conference.
Under the aegis of the Arab-Indian Cooperation Forum, the 6th India-Arab Partnership Conference on “New Horizons in Investment, Trade & Services” was organised on July 11, 12. Ministers, senior officials and businesspersons from the Arab States and India participated in it.
“India and GCC have resumed discussions on concluding the Free Trade Agreement. We have exchanged preliminary documents, and the delegations have been meeting. We hope this will soon become a reality, bringing newer opportunities for businesses on both sides,” Sayeed said during his special address.
In addition, the secretary alluded to the discussions on exploring alternative forms of trading with GCC nations. “There are discussions with our bilateral partners, talks about Rupee trading, barter trading and many other things, especially under the circumstances where most countries are facing challenges of foreign currency,” he said.
The conference is the flagship initiative of both sides to provide an institutional platform for robust engagement between the business communities. The previous five editions of the conference have guided in laying the foundations of a roadmap and synergizing the economic cooperation between India and the League of Arab States (LAS) countries.
V Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs (MoS) inaugurated the Conference and delivered a keynote address. From the Arab side, the Conference was led by Ambassador Ali Ibrahim Al Malki, Assistant Secretary General, Head of the Economic Affairs Sector of the League of Arab States headquarters who gave a welcome address.
The conference was rich in content with the inaugural session at Ministerial-level, followed by Special Sessions in which discussions were held on investment climates and opportunities. The speakers elaborated on the present state of India-Arab cooperation in various sectors including healthcare, food and energy security and resilient supply chain and means to further enhance them, including by sharing expertise and best practices. The meeting also stressed the important role of the private sector to push trade and investment relations to wider horizons.
On the main day evening, Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) hosted a dinner for dignitaries, speakers and participants from the Arab and Indian sides with MOS being the Chief Guest of the occasion. In the concluding session, Secretary (CPV & OIA) delivered a special address to the participants.
The conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and the LAS, in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Federation of Arab Businessmen (FAB) and Union of Arab Chambers (UAC). In conclusion, the participants conveyed their sincere appreciation to all stakeholders for the excellent coordination in putting together a substantive programme.
They agreed to convene the seventh edition of the IAPC in the Arab country in the year 2025. (ANI)
India, Arab League eye more cooperation in green energy, tech
NEW DELHI: India and Arab states are expecting more cooperation in the fields of green energy, technology, health care and food security, officials and representatives of top business bodies said on Wednesday at the India-Arab Partnership Conference in New Delhi.
The two-day conference on July 11-12 was organized by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry in partnership with the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and the League of Arab States — a cooperation alliance of 22 Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait and the UAE.
“India not only has very strong political relations with each member country of the League of Arab States but our trade and economic relations with these countries are also blossoming into very dynamic and mutually beneficial partnerships,” Indian Ministry of External Affairs Secretary Dr. Ausaf Sayeed told conference participants in his concluding remarks.
“The conference has provided a useful platform to the business communities on both sides to interact and understand untapped potentials in diverse fields and explore new prospects for trade and investments.”
He identified cooperation focus areas as energy security, renewable energy, technology, food security, health care, chips and semiconductors, and supply chains.
Energy cooperation is of particular importance as Gulf countries account for almost 35 percent of India’s oil imports and 70 percent of gas imports.
“India’s energy partnership with many of these countries has evolved from a mere buyer-seller relationship into a more comprehensive partnership,” Sayeed said.
“Renewable energy is another important area of our bilateral cooperation with West Asia, particularly in the fields of green hydrogen and green ammonia. This assumes significance as the world is witnessing the serious impact of climate change and the clock is ticking fast, highlighting the need to act urgently.”
In the context of trade and commerce, Arab countries are India’s largest trading partner, with the volume of trade with the Arab League’s states exceeding $240 billion during the financial year 2022-23.
The bulk of India’s trade is with Gulf Cooperation Council countries, especially the UAE, with which New Delhi signed a free trade deal last year.
“Trade with the GCC countries alone amounted to over $184 billion. The UAE is India’s third-largest trading partner — $73 billion — and Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trading partner — $42.9 billion during 2022-2023,” Sayeed said, adding that New Delhi was now also in trade pact talks with the entire GCC.
“India and the GCC have resumed discussions on concluding the free trade agreement. We have exchanged preliminary documents and the delegations have been meeting. We hope this will soon become a reality, bringing newer opportunities for businesses on both sides.”
This is the third attempt at a trade pact between the two sides, with two inconclusive rounds held in 2006 and 2008. Plans to resume talks were announced by India’s trade minister and the GCC secretary-general in November last year.
The India-Arab Partnership Conference saw in attendance government officials from both India and Arab countries as well as delegates from major Indian and Middle Eastern commerce bodies and businesses.
Dr. Khalid Hanafi, secretary-general of the Union of Arab Chambers, thanked the governments and private sector of both sides as he expressed optimism about the future of the Indo-Arab partnership.
“The partnership between India and the Arab world has a bright future,” he said.
“Our relationship should now evolve from a linear, traditional relationship to a new relationship based on technology.”
Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV and OIA), Palestine Prime Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh
Top MEA official Ausaf Sayeed holds talks with Palestine PM Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh
ANI | Updated: Jul 08, 2023 01:22 IST
New Delhi [India], July 8 (ANI): Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa Division and Overseas Indian Affairs) travelled to Palestine for a two-day visit from July 5-7.
During the visit, Sayeed met Palestine Prime Minister Mohammad Ibrahim Shtayyeh, Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki and Diplomatic Advisor to the President, Majdi Khaldi.
Representative Office of India to Palestine tweeted, “Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, @SecretaryCPVOIA, called on PM of , H.E. @DrShtayyeh. The whole gamut of bilateral relations between the two friendly countries including development & economic cooperation were discussed.”
The discussions between Majdi Khaldi and Ausaf Sayeed highlighted the importance of strengthening the partnership between India and Palestine.
Following the meeting, Representative Office of India to Palestine in a tweet stated, “Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, @SecretaryCPVOIA, called on Diplomatic Advisor to President of ,H.E. Dr. Majdi Khaldi. Discussions highlighted the importance of strengthening – partnership through exploring various horizons of cooperation.”
Sayeed commissioned the National Printing Press of Palestine in Surda, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release. He also visited the India-Palestine Techno Park in Birzeit and project sites of Centre for Empowerment of Women (Turathi) and the Palestine Diplomatic Institute.
Representative Office of India to Palestine tweeted, “Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, @SecretaryCPVOIA, reviewed the progress of GOI-funded projects: India-Palestine Techno Park at Birzeit, Centre for Women Empowerment “Turathi”, & Institute of Diplomacy in Surda.”
Sayeed held a meeting with Palestine‘s Minister of Health Mai Kaileh, discussing ways to further enhance cooperation between India and Palestinein the healthcare sector.
Sayeed and Mai Kaileh jointly inaugurated the Artificial Limb Fitment Campat Abu Rayya Rehabilitation Centre, organised by the government of India in association with Bhagvan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Jaipur, the MEA said in the release, adding, “The camp is expected to benefit about 600 Palestinians.”
During his visit, Sayeed interacted with the Palestinian alumni of Indian universities under the scholarship scheme of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations.
Further, according to MEA press release, India has been extending various forms of economic assistance to Palestine amounting to approximately USD 130.5 million. Over the years, more than 12,000 Palestinian students have graduated from Indian Universities.
“During the visit, he also interacted with the Palestinian Alumni of Indian Universities under the scholarship scheme of the Indian Council of Cultural Relations,” MEA said in the press release.
It added, “Scholarships and capacity building of Palestinian youth has been an important component of India’s development assistance to Palestine. More than 12,000 Palestinian students have graduated from Indian Universities over the years, and more than 1,300 Palestinian officials have undergone training under our ITEC programme.”
According to MEA, India has also extended budget support to the Palestinian authority.
Further in the press release, the MEA stated, “India has been extending various forms of economic assistance to Palestine amounting to approximately US$ 130.5 million, including USD 70.6 million worth of developmental assistance. India has also provided budgetary support to the tune of USD 39 million to the Palestinian Authority.”
It added, “Since 2002, India has contributed a total of USD 29.53 million to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for the Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).” The MEA noted that Ausaf Sayeed‘s visit reaffirmed India’s continued developmental support to the people of Palestine.” (ANI)
Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with his Bahrain counterpart (Image Credit: Twitter/@IndiaInBahrain)
India, Bahrain hold 6th round of foreign office consultations
ANI | Updated: May 31, 2023 19:14 IST
New Delhi [India], May 31 (ANI): Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), co-chaired the 6th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) with Bahrain, and both sides noted the growth of bilateral trade and economic collaboration with bilateral trade reaching close to USD 2 billion in FY 2022-23, according to the statement released by MEA.
Sayeed, who is on a 3-day visit to Bahrain from May 29-31, co-chaired the 6th FOC with Mohamed Ali Bahzad, Undersecretary (Consular Affairs), MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) Bahrain.
At the meeting, both sides reviewed all areas of bilateral cooperation, including in the domains of security, space, youth, parliament, media & information, trade, and energy, including renewable energy, fintech, IT, Big Data, health, tourism, labour and consular issues, culture and education, people-to-people engagement, and discussed matters of mutual interest in regional and multilateral domains.
They also expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in various areas of bilateral cooperation and reiterated their commitment to further strengthening the relationship.
“They noted the impressive growth of bilateral trade and economic collaboration with bilateral trade reaching close to USD 2 billion in FY 2022-23, almost doubling from the pre-COVID period,” the statement read.
Both sides agreed to work towards forming a Joint Consular Committee to discuss cooperation between MEA India and MoFA Bahrain in the Consular Affairs Sector, the statement added.
During the visit, Secretary Sayeed called on Minister of Industry and Commerce Abdullah bin Adel Fakhro on Wednesday.
The Secretary also interacted with a cross-section of the Indian community in Bahrain including the Heads of Indian Associations, Indian Medical Fraternity and Indian Schools in Bahrain in a session held at the Embassy.
He reassured them of the high priority the Government of India gave to regular engagement with the Indian diaspora and informed them about the Government of India’s support and various welfare initiatives.
The Secretary conveyed the Government of India’s gratitude to the Leadership and the Government of the Kingdom of Bahrain for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community.
“The visit was positively received by the Government and the people of Bahrain, and it provided an opportunity to review and discuss further strengthening multifaceted bilateral ties between the two countries,” the statement read. (ANI)
INTERVIEW: Egypt and India upgrade relationship to strategic partnership
Suzy Elgeneidy , Monday 8 May 2023
The Indian Secretary Minister for External Affairs, Ausaf Sayeed, highlights in an interview with Ahram Online the significance of President Abdelfattah El-Sisi’s visit to India in January, which helped upgrade the relationship between both countries to a strategic partnership.
Sayeed also shared that the Indian Prime Minister is eager to visit Egypt, and the Egyptian Health Minister is scheduled to visit India in June. Furthermore, he mentioned that Indian companies may be interested in investing in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE).
Ahram Online: How do you view bilateral relations between Egypt and India in the last few years and especially after President Abdelfattah El-Sisi’s visit to New Delhi last January?
Ausaf Sayeed: The relations have been progressing very well, especially in the last couple of years. Last year we had serious visits from the Indian side, where the Indian Defense Minister, the Foreign Affairs Minister and the minister of forest and environment visited Egypt. On the other hand, the IT Egyptian minister visited India, but most important of all was the visit of President El-Sisi to India to attend, upon the Indian Prime Minister’s invitation, the Indian public day. The significance was that the two leaders upgraded relations to a strategic partnership, and opened opportunities for focused cooperation in security, defense, economy, and politics. Further consolidation will be vital.
AO: How can Indian investments in Egypt be further enhanced?
AS: The current Indian investment volume is $3.5 billion, and a further $800 million is in the pipeline. Many of these investments are in the manufacturing sector and they have created about 38,000 jobs in Egypt. Also, there are further investments in the pipeline in the renewable energy sector. Of course, one of the good proposals that has come out from the Egyptian side is to have Indian investments in the SCZONE, so we are looking at this and this will be very important, and this idea was presented during President El-Sisi’s visit to India, with Indian companies. There were discussions about the SCZONE, so we will promote this to the business sector in India so that Indian companies can make use of this offer and this great opportunity.
AO: How can we enhance cooperation in the field of renewable energy and green hydrogen?
AS: Renewable energy is a very important field, as far as Indian companies are concerned three to four companies have expressed interest in this field of cooperation. Lately, they were signing an agreement for $18 billion for green hydrogen with Egypt, so I think there are great opportunities in this field as Egypt is a very suitable country for investing in renewable energy and we encourage that.
AO: Are there more visits coming from both sides?
AS: There is a coming visit by the Egyptian ministry of health to India mid-June. It is a very important visit as healthcare and pharmaceuticals are very important sectors. Also, there will be a foreign ministers’ meeting soon.
AO: Are there arrangements for a visit by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi?
AS: The Indian Prime Minister was supposed to visit Egypt in 2020 but unfortunately because of Corona many plans had to be changed. And when President El-Sisi was in Delhi he reextended the invitation and the Indian Prime Minister affirmed that he would like to visit Egypt soon. This year there are many things happening in India such as the Shanghai cooperation organisation meeting which will be held in July and then we have the G20 summit meeting in September. But the Indian Prime Minister is keen to visit Egypt.
AO: How can both Egypt and India cooperate to decrease the negative economic effects of the Russian-Ukraine war?
AS: Both countries are cooperating in various fields like the food sector, wheat supplies, fertiliser supplies, and energy supplies, and all of this cooperative effort is to reduce the negative effect of the Russian-Ukraine war on the economy. India had limited wheat exports but upon Egypt’s request as a friendly country, there was special permission given to export wheat to Egypt. Currently, we are negotiating Egyptian fertiliser exports to India in the coming future.
AO: Are there any plans to enhance cooperation in the pharmaceutical field between the two countries?
AS: I think this is one of the biggest areas of cooperation because India has been recognised globally as the pharmacy of the world. We have a lot of vaccine manufacturing not only COVID but also other vaccines, so I see possibilities for Egypt and India to join hands in the manufacturing of vaccine facilities. There are negotiations already taking place in this field and I think the visit of the Egyptian Health Minister to India in June will further discuss this cooperation. There could also be cooperation in the field of managing hospitals.
AO: India took many steps forward in the field of IT, so will there be more cooperation in this field with Egypt?
AS: During the visit of the Egyptian IT information technology minister there were several discussions about enhancing cooperation in that field, and also about startup companies.
AO: India is currently the head of the G20 this year so how can it enable the south voice to be more heard during its presidency?
AS: India organised the voice of the south summit where almost 125 countries from the south were invited to try to understand from them their areas of concern. It was the first time for them and we listened to a lot of ideas from them that are very beneficial.
India, Egypt hold 12th round of foreign office consultations (Image Credit: Twitter/@indembcairo)
India, Egypt hold 12th round of foreign office consultations
ANI | Updated: May 04, 2023 01:44 IST
New Delhi [India], May 4 (ANI): India and Egypt held the twelfth round of Foreign Office Consultations on Wednesday in Cairo when where both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire range of bilateral relations, covering politics, trade and commerce, according to the official statement released by External Affairs Ministry.
The Indian delegation was led by Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) and the Egyptian was headed by Ayman Kamel, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt.
In the meeting, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire range of bilateral relations, covering political, trade and commerce, investments, development partnership, capacity building, culture and people-to-people linkages, according to the statement.
They also discussed ways to further strengthen ties between India and Egyptand enhance cooperation in multilateral forums. Both sides exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including climate change, resilient supply chains and participation of Global South under India’s G20 Presidency, the statement read.
The last round of FOC had taken place in December 2015 in New Delhi.
During the visit, Secretary (CPV & OIA) also held a bilateral meeting with Ambassador Hamdi Loza, Deputy Foreign Minister for African Affairs and exchanged views on India-Egypt bilateral ties.
He also called on Ambassador Khaled El Manzalawi, Assistant Secretary General, League of Arab States and had a substantive discussion on enhancing cooperation between India and countries of the Arab world. Secretary(CPV & OIA) also interacted with members of the Indian community at an event organised by the Mission.
Both sides agreed to hold the next round of Consultations at a mutually convenient date in New Delhi.
India and Egypt enjoy a great relationship. For the first time, in January 2023, Indo-Egypt held joint training exercise Cyclone.
India and Egypt, two of the world’s oldest civilizations, have enjoyed a history of close contact from ancient times. With a population of around 110 million, a location that straddles Africa and Asia, and a capital that hosts the League of Arab States, Egypt is a pivotal player in development.
It is also a country with which India enjoyed an exceptionally close relationship since immediately after its Independence. This is only natural, as the two countries were cofounders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the 1950s.
Even, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi attended India’s 74th Republic Day parade as the chief guest. He was the first Egyptian premier to have been invited to the Republic Day parade. (ANI)
India works with Saudi Arabia on creating investment bridge
- Opportunities are seen in energy, infrastructure, food security, infrastructure, AI and education
- Investment flow between the two G20 countries is an important component of their relations
New Delhi : India is working with Saudi Arabia on creating an investment bridge to accelerate bilateral projects and facilitate investments, with the measure expected to catalyze greater economic interconnectedness.
During his trip to Riyadh this week, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, secretary in charge of the Gulf region at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, held talks with Saudi officials, including Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Waleed bin Abdul Karim Al-Khereiji, on the India-Saudi Arabia strategic partnerships, and International Partnerships Deputy Minister Mohammed Al-Hassnah, with whom he agreed on the initiative to bridge bilateral investment activity.
“Cross-border investments have become a major tool for progress and development for nations. India and Saudi Arabia are in a unique position to benefit from mutual investments depending on our strengths,” Sayeed told Arab News on Friday.
He said Saudi investments in India have consistently grown, presently reaching $3 billion, and Indian businesses have invested more than $2 billion in the Kingdom.
Significant investment opportunities, he said, have lately emerged in areas such as renewable energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, defense, information technology, artificial intelligence and entertainment.
“An institutional mechanism for facilitating investments on both sides will be of great help to them,” Sayeed said.
First India-Gulf Cooperation Council held in Saudi Arabia(Image Credit: Twitter/@IndianEmbRiyadh)
First India-Gulf Cooperation Council and Strategic Cooperation dialogue with Saudi Arabia held
ANI | Updated: Mar 22, 2023 18:48 IST
Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], March 22 (ANI): The first round of the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Senior Officers Meeting (SOM) was held in Riyadh. Ausaf Sayeed, secretary(CPV&OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, held a meeting with the Saudi Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed bin Abdul Kareem El-Khereiji on the Political-Security-Social-Cultural pillar of India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release.
During the India-GCC meeting on March 20, the two sides conveyed happiness over the progress made in trade and investment between India-GCC countries. The Indian delegation was led by Ausaf Sayeed, while the GCC delegation was led by Abdul Aziz Bin Hamad Al-Owaishaq, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations, GCC.
Both sides agreed for an early finalisation of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the press release. Sayeed called for more collaboration between India and GCC countries in renewable energy, food security, health, IT sector and counter-terrorism. The two sides proposed the formation of Joint Working Groups to cater to particular areas of cooperation between India and GCC countries.
“Secretary(CPV&OIA) invited for more collaboration between India and GCC countries in renewable energy, food security, health, IT sector and counter-terrorism,” the Ministry of External Affairs stated in the press release.
Ausaf Sayeed on Wednesday held a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Minister for Hajj and Umrah Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. Sayeed expressed gratitude to Tawfiq Al-Rabiah for the allocation of a Haj quota of 1,75,025 for India for 2023, the MEA said in the press release.
Sayeed said an invitation was extended to him to visit India at his earliest convenience. Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia tweeted, “Secretary (CPV&OIA), Dr Ausaf Sayeed @drausaf met with Minister of Hajj and Umrah of Saudi Arabia H.E. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah and had discussions on various issues pertaining Indian Hajj and Umrah Pilgrims.”
On March 20, Sayeed met Saudi Arabia’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Eng. Waleed bin Abdul Kareem El-Khereiji on the Political-Security-Social-Cultural pillar of India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). Both sides assessed the continued high-level contact between India and Saudi Arabia.
Sayeed discussed the progress made under the Committee on Economy and Investment of the SPC with Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnerships (SCISP) President and CEO Dr Faisal Al-Sugair.
The two sides agreed to make further progress on priority opportunities identified under the Committee in various sectors, including renewable energy, grid connectivity, pharmaceuticals, food security, IT, fintech and water resources, the release stated.
On March 19, Sayeed met the Deputy Minister for International Partnerships in the Saudi Ministry of Investment, Mohammad Al Hassnah and discussed opportunities for bilateral investment exchanges. The two sides discussed setting up an investment bridge to accelerate the pending investment projects and facilitate investors. (ANI)
Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (Consular and Diaspora) meets GCC Secretary General Jassim Muhammad Al-Budaiwi (Image Credit: Twitter/@GCCSG)
India-Gulf Cooperation Council senior officers hold meeting, agree for early finalisation of India-GCC FTA
ANI | Updated: Mar 20, 2023 22:39 IST
Riyadh [Saudi Arabia], March 20 (ANI): The first round of the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Senior Officers Meeting (SOM) was held today in Riyadh. The two sides conveyed happiness over the progress in trade and investment between India-GCC countries.
They also agreed to an early finalisation of the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in the press release.
The Indian delegation was led by Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary(CPV&OIA) while the GCC delegation was led by Abdul Aziz Bin Hamad Al-Owaishaq, Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Negotiations, GCC.
Ausaf Sayeed called for more collaboration between India and GCC countries in renewable energy, food security, health, IT sector and counter-terrorism. The two sides proposed the formation of Joint Working Groups to cater to particular areas of cooperation between India and GCC countries.
“Secretary(CPV&OIA) invited for more collaboration between India and GCC countries in renewable energy, food security, health, IT sector and counter-terrorism,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in the press release.
It further said, “Both sides proposed the formation of Joint Working Groups to cater to particular areas of cooperation between India and GCC countries. These joint working groups would be headed by experts and would ensure regular and continuous progress across priority sectors.”
The two sides looked forward to an early convention of the India-GCCTROIKA meeting at the Foreign Minister level. All six member countries of the GCC attended the meeting. The India-GCC SOM meeting was held pursuant to the MOU signed on the India-GCC Mechanism of Consultation during External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Riyadh in September 2022.
According to the press release, the two sides appreciated the progress in relations between India-GCC countries built on historical ties, coupled with growing trade and investment and the presence of approximately 8.5 million Indian diaspora in the region.
The MEA, in the press release, said, “GCC as a trade bloc is the largest trade partner to India with a total trade of USD 154 Billion in FY 2021-22. They agreed that people-to-people ties need to be further enhanced. The discussion also focused upon regional issues of importance.”
Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary(CPV&OIA), also held a meeting with the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General. GCC, in a tweet, wrote, “During his meeting with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of India. The Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council stresses the importance of strengthening the Gulf-Indian strategic relations to serve common interests.” (ANI)
India explores energy, defense engagements with Oman
SANJAY KUMAR
February 28, 2023
Oman will be India’s guest during this year’s G20 summit in New Delhi
The India-Oman Strategic Consultative Group was established in 2003 to provide a joint forum for regular reviews of relations and exchanges between the maritime neighbors.
The latest edition of the annual meetings took place in Muscat on Monday, co-chaired by Ausaf Sayeed, overseas Indian affairs secretary at the foreign ministry, and Oman’s Diplomatic Affairs Undersecretary Sheikh Khalifa Al-Harthy.
“The discussions were focused on exploring avenues of cooperation in key sectors, including energy, trade and investment, health, education, defense and cultural exchanges,” the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, Sayeed’s visit “reflects the strong bilateral relationship between India and Oman, the importance of the Sultanate of Oman as a key partner for India in the Gulf, and highlights India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership.”
India already enjoys strong energy and defense partnerships in the Gulf region with Saudi Arabia and the UAE, but is also developing strategic ties with Oman.
“Indian presence in Oman and its Duqm and turnaround facilities in Salalah provide a strategic depth to the Indian Navy. India has also built the border electronic fence between Oman and Yemen which keeps a lid on infiltration,” Anil Wadhwa, New Delhi’s former ambassador to Muscat, told Arab News.
India gained access to the Duqm port in the Gulf of Oman in 2018, a few years after Indian companies were involved in the fencing of the sultanate’s Yemeni border.
India is chairing the Group of 20 largest economies and will host the G20 summit this year, with Oman as one of its guests during the meeting.
This reflects “the priority and importance New Delhi attaches with Muscat,” Muddassir Quamar, Middle East expert and fellow at the Institute of Defense Studies and Analyzes in New Delhi, told Arab News.
“Oman is an important country in the Gulf region, and is considered an important actor in several regional forums, including GCC, the Arab League and IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association),” he said.
“Its strategic location makes it an important actor for maritime security in the Gulf. India and Oman have a robust political, economic and defense partnership. The two sides are committed to strengthening bilateral engagements.”
Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) with Under-secretary for Political Planning Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, Dr Hisham Al Alawi. (Photo Credit – Twitter)
India, Iraq hold 2nd round of Foreign Office Consultations
ANI | Updated: Feb 20, 2023 23:22 IST
Baghdad [Iraq], February 20 (ANI): India and Iraq on Monday held a second round of Foreign Office Consultations in Baghdad.
The Indian delegation was led by Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) while Iraq was led by Dr Hisham Al Alawi, Under-secretary for Political Planning Affairs from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iraq, read the Ministry of External Affairs press release.
Secretary (CPV & OIA) called on Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Hayyan Abdul Ghani, Minister of Trade Atheer Dawood Salman, National Security Adviser Qasem Al Araji, and President of Sunni Awqaf Board Dr Mesh’an Al Khazraji, and discussed a range of bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest.
“Had productive discussions with H.E. Mr. Hayan Abdul Ghani, Deputy PM for Energy Affairs and Minister of Oil, H.E. Mr. Qasem Al Araji, NSA of Iraq & Mr. Atheer Dawood Salman, Minister of Trade, besides Round Table with Iraqi business leaders,” tweeted Sayeed.
Both sides noted the warm and friendly traditional relations and comprehensively reviewed the current status of bilateral relations in all fields, including political, economic, defence, security, trade and investments, development partnership, scholarship programme and capacity building, cultural relations and people-to-people contacts, read the release.
Detailed discussions were held on further strengthening bilateral relations and the future direction of the growth of bilateral cooperation.
“Delighted to participate in FOCs with Baghdad, 1st meeting since 2015. Chalked out with counterpart Dr Hisham Al Alawi, a clear roadmap for elevating bilateral relations into a comprehensive partnership focusing energy, security and defence,” tweeted Sayeed.
Both sides expressed their satisfaction about the bilateral trade, which exceeded USD 34 billion for 2021-22 and discussed ways and means to further increase and diversify trade from oil to non-oil sectors, added the release.
Both sides noted the importance of expanding economic partnerships and technology engagement. They noted opportunities for investment, particularly in the fields of oil and gas, infrastructure, healthcare, power, transport, agriculture, water management, drugs and pharmaceuticals, ICT, and renewable energy. They urged the business community to engage closely for mutual benefit.
A sizeable number of candidates from Iraq have been benefiting from our capacity-building programme, including ITEC and higher education scholarships.
Both sides are keen to enhance the level of economic engagement and people-to-people exchanges. Secretary (CPV & OIA) also announced that an artificial limb fitment camp (Jaipur Foot) will be organised in Iraq soon, added the release.
Secretary (CPV & OIA) also interacted with the Indian Community, Indian and Iraqi business leaders, ITEC and ICCR alumni from Iraq.
Sayeed also inaugurated the newly constructed Indian Consular Application Centre (ICAC) in Baghdad, which will facilitate Indian and Iraqi nationals seeking visas and consular services.
Both sides agreed on the importance of continuing the upward momentum in the relationship through exchanges of regular visits and consultations and agreed to hold the next India-Iraq Joint Commission Meeting at Oil Ministers’ level in New Delhi at a mutually convenient date, added the release. (ANI)
Prime Minister welcomes Indian diplomat, Ausaf Sayeed
February 21, 2023
On Tuesday, the Kurdistan Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, received Mr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) at the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
The meeting was attended by the Indian ambassador to Iraq Mr. Prashant Pise and the country’s Consul general to Erbil Mr. Subhash Chandra Kain.
Mr. Sayeed briefed the Prime Minister on the purpose of their visit and expressed his country’s willingness to strengthen ties with Kurdistan, especially in trade, health care, information technology and activating the banking system.
The Kurdistan Prime Minister highlighted the government’s work on diversifying income sources, establishing a strong economic base and digitizing public services. He also expressed his wishes to boost ties with India in the mentioned sectors.
Indian diplomat meets with Masoud, Masrour Barzani for talks on cooperation in medicine, technology
Shafaq News/ Kurdistan’s Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday received the Indian secretary of external affairs, Ausaf Sayeed, who arrived in Erbil today on an official visit.
According to an official readout by his bureau, Prime Minister Barzani discussed with his guest “ways to develop relations between the Kurdistan Region and India in the sectors of business, health, information technology, and cooperation to revitalize banking systems in the Kurdistan Region.”
“I briefed the Secretary on the Kurdistan Regional Government’s agenda to diversify revenues and build a strong economic infrastructure,” the readout said, “I also highlighted our efforts to digitalize public services.”
Earlier today, the Indian diplomat also met with the Kurdish leader, Masoud Barzani, in the latter’s residence at the Saladin resort near the capital city of the Kurdistan region, Erbil.
The meeting, according to a readout issued by the Barzani headquarters, touched upon the bilateral ties between New Delhi and Erbil, the situation in the quake-affected territories in Turkey and Syria, and the Baghdad-Erbil disputes.
Secretary Sayeed said that stability in the Kurdistan region, Iraq, and the Middle East is “of special importance” to India, expressing his country’s willingness to bolster its cooperation with Iraq in the fields of technology and medicine.
The Kurdish leader commended “the deep historic ties” between the people of Kurdistan and India, reiterating his support for expanding and developing them.
Qubad Talabani meets with senior Indian delegation in Erbil
Talabani (right) in his meeting with Deputy Foreign Minister of India Ausaf Sayeed, Feb. 21, 2023, Erbil. (Photo: Talabani’s media office)
SULAIMANI (ESTA) — An Indian delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Ausaf Sayeed on Tuesday met with Qubad Talabani in Erbil, highlighting developing bilateral ties.
“In the meeting attended by Daban Shadala, the deputy charge of Kurdistan Region department of foreign relations, and the Indian consul general in Erbil, reforms and virtualizing the government institutions were discussed,” read a statement from Talabani’s office.
“The Kurdistan Region must take benefit from India to tackle the routine issue and corruption,” Talabani said, according to the statement.
Moreover, the statement stated that Talabani demanded coordination from the Indian delegation in reorganising and virtualising the bank system.
In the meantime, the Indian delegation expressed readiness to enhance the ties with the Kurdistan Region, the statement added.
“We are ready to assist the Kurdistan Region government to transit India’s experience to develop the virtual government,” Sayeed told Talabani.
Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs. (Photo/ANI)
‘Looking forward to hosting Egyptian President on Republic Day’: Top MEA official
ANI | Updated: Jan 16, 2023 22:58 IST
New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), on Monday said India was ‘looking forward’ to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visit to India as the chief guest for the Republic Day function.
It is the first time that an Egyptian President has been invited as a chief guest for the Republic Day function, Sayeed told ANI during an interview.
Sayeed said, “It is the first visit as a chief guest by an Egyptian President. Of course, we did have leaders from the Arab world before. We had the Saudi King also before and others. But, this is the very first time from Egypt.”
He further said, “Egypt is a very important bilateral partner for us. We are celebrating 75 years of our engagement with Egypt. In fact, it was one of the first countries with which we established our diplomatic relationship, just the first week itself when we became independent. So, we are looking forward to this visit.”
Speaking to ANI, the top Indian diplomat said, “Egypt is an important player in the Arab world, not only in the Arab world but in Africa. So, our relationship also goes way back, both in the historical context as well as modern context.”
Ausaf Sayeed said the Egyptian President, during his visit, will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“President Sisi would have bilateral engagement with our Prime Minister and also have discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues. He will also have a business meeting and then participate in the Republic Day celebrations,” Sayeed told ANI.
Calling the two-day visit of the Egyptian President as “very engaging”, Sayeed said the MEA will share more information as the visit nears. He further said the visit is important for diplomatic outreach and economic engagement.
He said, “We have a very engaging two days with him. As and when the visit nearsby we will share more information with you but as of now we are looking forward to this important visit as was mentioned in the seminar, very important from the context of our diplomatic outreach not only diplomatic outreach but also for our economic engagement. Many companies are looking forward to enhance their presence in Egypt.”
To a question on how the invitation to Egypt for a G20 event in India will add to ties between the two countries, Sayeed said the Egyptian ambassador has already said they want to work with India to enhance the voice of the south in platforms like G20.
Earlier, during an ICWA Panel Discussion on ‘India-Egypt Ties in Changing Global Order’, Sayeed said, “Our focus today is to strengthen this bond and at the same time nurture new connections. Egypt is our valued partner and has a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the Arab world and Africa.”
He further said, “The India-Egypt partnership has immense potential and can achieve greater heights based on commonalities of Global South which we historically share. We have excellent cooperation in multilateral forums and a good understanding of regional and global issues.” (ANI)
Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs (Image Credit: YouTube/@MinistryofExternalAffairs)
‘Egypt is valued partner, plays pivotal role in maintaining peace in Arab world and Africa’: MEA
ANI | Updated: Jan 16, 2023 17:20 IST
New Delhi [India], January 16 (ANI): Egypt is a ‘valued partner’ for India as it plays a ‘pivotal role’ in maintaining peace and stability in the Arab world and Africa, a top official in the Ministry of External Affairs said.
Speaking at ICWA Panel Discussion on India-Egypt Ties in Changing Global Order, Ausaf Sayeed, secretary (CPV & OIA), MEA, stressed that India and Egypt have immense potential and can attain even greater heights through bilateral engagements based on shared interests.
“Our focus today is to strengthen this bond and, at the same time, nurture new connections. Egypt is our valued partner and has a pivotal role in maintaining peace and stability in the Arab world and Africa,” Sayeed said.
“The India-Egypt partnership has immense potential and can achieve greater heights based on commonalities of Global South which we historically share. We have excellent cooperation in multilateral forums and a good understanding on regional and global issues,” he added.
Calling the completion of 75 years of diplomatic ties between India and Egypt as a ‘momentous occasion’, he said the two nations established formal relations three days after India attained independence on August 15 in 1947. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi as chief guest for the Republic Day and the invitation was warmly received.
Ausaf Sayeed said, “This is indeed a momentous occasion in our bilateral relations with Egypt when our two countries are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. I was told that When we became independent on the 15th of August, 1947 it was three days later on the 18th of August that the relations, formal relations were established which goes on to say the importance which we attach to our relationship with Egypt.”
He further stated, “Our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has invited President Sisi as chief guest for our Republic Day, and the invitation has been warmly accepted by President Sisi. As you all know, we have invited Egypt as a guest country during our G20 Presidency this year. It is a matter of satisfaction that the civilization links between India and Egypt have not only stood the test of time but have also further strengthened by mutual warmth, friendship, and goodwill.”
Sayeed added that the ties between the two nations received further momentum with Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s visits to India and meetings between the two leaders at various forums, including the United Nations.
The top MEA official further added, “While the bilateral trade was already recorded at an all-time high of US dollars 7.2 billion between 2021 and 2022, we hope this trade will further increase to about 12 billion, a target that we have set.” (ANI)
Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (Consular and Diaspora), Ministry of External Affairs, addressed a curtain raiser event for the upcoming Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas on Wednesday.
‘Indian diaspora has emerged as a dynamic and powerful entity’: Secretary, MEA
ANI | Updated: Jan 04, 2023 22:22 IST
New Delhi [India], January 4 (ANI): Indian diaspora is the world’s largest and oldest diaspora in the world and it has emerged as a very dynamic and powerful entity recognized globally, said the Secretary (Consular and Diaspora), Ministry of External Affairs, Ausaf Sayeed on Wednesday.
He made these remarks during a curtain raiser event for the upcoming Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas that is going to be held next week in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. “The Indian diaspora is perhaps the world’s largest and oldest diaspora,” said Ausaf Sayeed during the event titled Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023: Celebrating Diaspora in the Era of Amrit Kaal.
“The numbers are roughly in the range of 32 million comprising about 18.68 million persons of Indian origin essentially, those who have India connection but have acquired foreign nationality and 13.45 million non-resident Indians, those holding Indian passports and of these 13.45 around 8.75 million are living and working in the Gulf countries. So, the Indian diaspora is very well spread across 210 countries, from the Caribbean islands to Southeast Asia, Africa, North America, and Europe,” he added.
With the passage of time, Secretary Sayeed said the diaspora has emerged as a very dynamic and powerful entity recognized globally for their skill, hard work, nature, tenacity and contribution in different fields.
Calling the Indian diaspora a constituent of India’s soft power, the secretary underlined the Indian diaspora growing global influence and said it is gaining political influence worldwide with many heads of state owing their origin to India.
“Many parliamentarians, including the heads of state of several countries, owe their origin to India in some countries. In some countries, the Indian diaspora has been there for six generations, which is similar to Malaysia. There are at least seven countries which have presidents or prime ministers of Indian ancestry. For example, UK, Ireland, Portugal, Mauritius, Guyana, Suriname and Seychelles,” he said.
Referring to the Indian diaspora as a living bridge that strengthens the bond between the country and the countries where they live, the Secretary said that it is instrumental in propelling India’s economic growth.
Secretary Sayeed said that government believes that the diaspora is instrumental in propelling the country’s growth by means of promoting trade and investments, through technology transfer, and cultural diplomacy.
“So there are many things in which the diaspora has been playing a direct or indirect role. Just to give an example of remittances, alone even during the peak of the pandemic and Financial year 2021. The World Bank has described India as the highest recipient of remittances with about US Dollars, 87 billion coming in that financial year, indicating the resilience of, not only the monetary flows but also the Indian origin people,” he said.
“In most places where the diaspora settled in terms of the immigrant groups, the Indian immigrant groups are relatively well settled and more financially and educationally sound. So, of these remittances, another significant thing that has come up is that the working class alone contributed about USD 54.42 billion to the total remittances. This again goes to the importance of the working class within the diaspora so you know our diaspora is both,” he added.
Speaking on the nature of the Indian diaspora, he said, “Our diaspora is both low-skill occupations as well as those with high intellectual capital and Leadership capabilities and together they are contributing in a meaningful manner.”
Furthermore, he said the Indian government regards the diaspora as a living bridge, which strengthens the bond between India and the countries where they are living.
“So it’s a very important element of our foreign policy. You would have also noticed that wherever the top leaders from India, whether it is the prime minister or the EAM or other ministers, go abroad to visit any country, they make it a point that there is invariably a diaspora engagement. So that there is a learning process. It’s there, it’s two-way communication,” he added.
The 17th edition of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is scheduled to be held from January 8-10 in Indore. The Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards will be conferred by President Droupadi Murmu at the PBD Convention in the valedictory session of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebrations. (ANI)
Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (Consular and Diaspora), Ministry of External Affairs, addressed a curtain raiser event for the upcoming Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas on Wednesday.
‘India believes in the legal form of migration’: Secretary, MEA
ANI | Updated: Jan 04, 2023 22:14 IST
New Delhi [India], January 4 (ANI): Underlining the importance of the security of Indians working abroad, a top MEA official on Wednesday urged legal means of migration while highlighting manpower agreements signed by India with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.
Secretary (Consular and Diaspora), Ministry of External Affairs, Ausaf Sayeed, made these remarks during a curtain-raiser event for the upcoming Pravasi Bhartiya Diwas, which is slated to be held next week in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.
“During the course of our conversations, we talked about the Migration and Mobility Partnership agreements with various countries. With all the GCC countries and some other countries like Jordan, we do have manpower agreements. We also have a domestic workers agreement. Then, with European countries, we also have social security agreements with almost 20 countries. So these are the mechanisms which Safeguard the interest of the Indian Workforce abroad,” said Ausaf Sayeed at the event titled ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2023: Celebrating Diaspora in the Era of Amrit Kaal’.
“Having served widely in the Middle Eastern countries, I would like to mention to you that most of the gulf countries themselves have now come up with new labour laws which are very – very transparent, which takes care of, of course, the interests of the workforce, as well as bringing about transparency into the thing,” he added.
Talking about the Kafala system, the MEA secretary said it is a thing of the past and there is no kafala system as such in many countries.
“The Kafala system is more or less a thing of the past. There is no Kafala system in many countries. For example, in Saudi Arabia, you could change this sponsorship online. There is no need for permission, even from your company, to travel, and all that. So things are getting improved,” he said.
On government initiatives, Sayeed said, “One of the things which we are trying to do is that we have an e-migrate system, so we are integrating this e-migrate system with 13 POA offices within India. Another important thing we are trying to do is link up this e-migrate platform with countries.”
“Major manpower importing countries, the GCC countries and others. We have started discussions with Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar. So, I think with these measures, more transparency will be brought into the recruitment,” he added.
The MEA secretary said India only believes in the legal form of migration.
“So, if they go through legal a manner, then you know, there are chances that India is a sending country as well as the recipient countries, and both will be in a better position to manage this kind of migration well,” he added. (ANI)
MEA secretary calls on Chief Secretary, discusses emigration issues
Says MEA is in regular touch with State government to address issues relating to the welfare and protection of the large number of skilled emigrants from Telangana
Published – April 21, 2023, 07:16 pm IST – HYDERABAD
MEA secretary Ausaf Sayeed calling on Chief Secretary A. Shanti Kumari in Hyderabad on Friday
Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Ausaf Sayeed stressed the need to educate emigrants on the nuances of emigration cycle in lines with of the Ministry’s ‘Surakshit Jaaye – Prashikshit Jaaye’ (Go Safe – Go Trained) initiative.
Mr. Sayeed said that a large number of skilled workforce from Telangana lived in the Gulf countries and that the MEA was in regular touch with the Telangana government to address issues relating to their welfare and protection.
The MEA secretary, along with a delegation of senior officers, called on Chief Secretary A. Shanti Kumari here on Friday. The visit was part of the MEA’s outreach with State governments to promote safe and legal migration. The deliberations covered matters relating to the MEA’s citizen centric policies with special focus on addressing NRI issues and tapping overseas employment opportunities.
Programmes and initiatives undertaken by the Telangana government through Telangana Overseas Manpower Company Limited (TOMCOM) related to skilling and up-skilling of overseas jobseekers and ongoing coordination between the State government and the MEA for the welfare and protection of migrant workers were also discussed.
Mr. Sayeed highlighted emerging trends in overseas employment generation for the youth and the need to impart skill training as per global standards through collective efforts of all stakeholders.
He touched upon the expansion of pre-departure orientation training facilities in the state and the role of state agencies like TOMCOM in implementing the various migration and mobility partnership agreements being signed by the Union government with partner countries.
The MEA secretary later co-chaired the “Awareness session on safe, orderly and regular migration: Vantage point of police & law enforcement” with Director-General of Police. The session was organised by the Telangana State police in collaboration with TOMCOM and International Organisation for Migration.
The session discussed the Emigration Act, 1983, the modus operandi of illegal agents, measures to prevent exploitation of vulnerable migrants and curb illegal recruitment agents.
India Morocco hold foreign office consultations (Image: Twitter/@indembrabat)
India, Morocco hold fifth foreign office consultations in Rabat, to expand ties in different domains
ANI | Updated: Nov 25, 2022 19:54 IST
Rabat [Morocco], November 25 (ANI): India and Morocco held the fifth foreign consultations in Rabat and resolved to further expand and strengthen bilateral partnership in different domains.
Dr Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV and OIA) in the Ministry of External Affairs, co-chaired the fifth India-Morocco consultation in Rabat.
“Secretary (CPV & OIA) @drausaf co-chaired 5th India-Morocco Foreign Office Consultations in Rabat. Both sides resolved to further expand & strengthen bilateral partnership in different domains,” the Indian Embassy in Morocco said in a tweet.
Ausaf Sayeed also met with Morocco’s Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, Leila Benali. They discussed areas of bilateral cooperation between India and Morocco, including fertilizers, renewable energy, and climate change.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar held a meeting with Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September.
Earlier in September, Girish Chandra Murmu, Comptroller and Auditor General of India and Zineb El Adaoui, the first President of the Court of Accounts, Morocco signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the supreme auditing bodies of the two countries. Both sides agreed to conduct training programmes in their respective countries and explore other means of capacity development support.
For long, India has been one of the major markets for Moroccan phosphates and its derivatives. India’s export basket to Morocco has also grown significantly in recent years.
The main items of India’s exports to Morocco are cotton yarn, synthetic fibre, chemicals, manufactured metals, machinery and instrument, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals, automotive parts and spices.
Main items of Moroccan export to India are phosphoric acid, phosphate, metallic ores and metal spray and inorganic chemicals.
Relations between India and Morocco go back to the 14th century when the famous traveller and writer from Tangier, Ibn Batuta, travelled to India. In modern history, India was active in the UN supporting the Moroccan freedom movement and recognised Morocco on June 20, 1956, immediately after its independence. Diplomatic relations were established in 1957. (ANI)
India, European Union discuss issues relating to mobility and migration of professionals and students
The issues figured at the 6th High Level Dialogue on Migration and Mobility between India and the European Union that took place in Brussels on October 27.
Published – October 28, 2022 04:54 pm IST – New Delhi
At the 6th India European Union High-Level Dialogue on Migration & Mobility in Brussels. | Photo Credit: Twitter/@drausaf
India and the European Union (EU) have explored ways to facilitate mobility and migration of talented professionals, students and skilled workforce for the mutual benefit of both the sides, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on October 28.
The issues figured at the 6th High Level Dialogue on Migration and Mobility (HLDMM) between India and the European Union that took place in Brussels on October 27.
The MEA said the discussions at the meeting covered a wide range of issues related to the promotion of safe, orderly and regular migration including prevention of irregular migration.
“Both sides also discussed potential areas of cooperation to facilitate mobility and migration of talented professionals, students and skilled workforce for the mutual benefit of both partners,” it said in a statement.
“Both sides expressed satisfaction at the successful implementation of India-EU Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility. As India and EU celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties, the dialogue is an important dimension of the strategic partnership,” it added.
The Indian delegation at the talks was led by Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (Consular, Passport & Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) in the MEA.
Monique Pariat, Director General (Migration and Home Affairs), European Commission, headed the EU team.
Besides the two delegations led by the co-chairs, the meeting was also attended by representatives of the diplomatic missions of EU member states in Brussels who were invited as observers.
The representatives of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Labour and Employment were part of the Indian delegation.
In meet with Syrian foreign minister, senior Indian diplomat exchanges views on issues of mutual interest (Photo: Twitter)
India announces 200 scholarships for Syrian students
ANI | Updated: Oct 02, 2022 23:06 IST
New Delhi [India], October 2 (ANI): Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA), during his visit to Syria, announced 200 Scholarships for Syrian Students under Phase III of the Study in India programme in the current academic year.
A total of 1,000 Syrian students have benefitted from the first two phases of the scholarship scheme, an MEA press release read. Sayeed met with the Syrian foreign minister Fayssal Mekdad and discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
Sayeed, Secretary (Consular, Passport & Visa and Overseas Indian Affairs) visited Damascus on October 2 and called on Mekdad where the leaders discussed a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
“Both sides identified key areas of bilateral cooperation during the meeting, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, civil aviation, vocational training, etc,” the press release added.
Secretary (CPV & OIA) also met with Mohamed Seif El-Din, Minister of Social Affairs & Labour of Syria.
“Secretary CPV & OIA, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed called on Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad of Syria in Damascus today. Key areas of bilateral cooperation were identified, including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, fertilizers, civil aviation, and vocational training. Also discussed regional & global issues of interest,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi wrote in a tweet.
As part of India’s developmental and humanitarian assistance to Syria, Secretary (CPV & OIA) inaugurated the Second Artificial Limb Fitment Camp (Jaipur Foot) in Damascus for the needy people of Syria on the occasion of the 153rd Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The visit of Secretary (CPV & OIA) to Syria provided the much-needed impetus to our bilateral relations with the country. (ANI)
MEA delegation visits Hyderabad, T-Migration app launched
Hyderabad: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, along with Bramha Kumar, Joint Secretary (OE) & Protector General of Emigrants, and other MEA officials on Wednesday visited the TOMCOM Pre-departure Orientation Training (Pdot) centre here. TOMCOM Pdot centres are located in Hyderabad, Karimnagar and Nizamabad.
Hyderabad: Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA), Ministry of External Affairs, along with Bramha Kumar, Joint Secretary (OE) & Protector General of Emigrants, and other MEA officials on Wednesday visited the TOMCOM Pre-departure Orientation Training (Pdot) centre here.
TOMCOM Pdot centres are located in Hyderabad, Karimnagar and Nizamabad. These centres are providing training since 2019 and so far, 3,401 migrant workers were given pre-departure orientation training.
Dr.Sayeed and the delegation interacted with domestic helps undergoing pre-departure training and highlighted the help provided by the Indian Embassy in foreign countries in case of any distress. They also heard about the previous experiences of returnee migrants when they worked in different countries.
Chander Shekhar Deputy Secretary (OIA1), Ramesh Chander, Under Secretary (OE-1B), Dasari Balaiah, Regional Passport Officer, Amit Kumar Singh, Protector of Emigrants and other officials accompanied the delegation.
Earlier, the delegation visited the Dr MCR HRD Institute, where Dr Sayeed said multifarious employment opportunities were emerging in different countries from across the globe and underlined the need to further multiply the capacity building initiatives in India in order to take a lion’s share of these opportunities.
Dr Sayeed also said the MEA was sponsoring training programmes, and that there was a proposal under the active consideration of the MEA to not only empanel Dr MCR HRD Institute to conduct these programmes but also to utilize its services in the delivery of training programmes for Trainee IFS Officers and for Mid-Service Training Programmes for serving diplomats both from India and other countries.
Benhur Mahesh Dutt Ekka, DG, Dr MCR HRD Institute, also spoke.
E-passports to be rolled out early next year
RPO-Hyderabad issued 3.43 lakh passports from Jan.-July 2022
Updated – August 25, 2022 06:26 pm IST – Hyderabad
Secretary of Ministry of External Affairs (Consular and Diaspora) Ausaf Sayeed (centre) addressing the media on Wednesday.
Electronic passports embedded with a chip for fool-proof security following norms of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAI) are likely to be rolled out by the year-end or early next year, said Secretary (Consular and Diaspora), Ministry of External Affairs, Ausaf Sayeed.
Mr. Sayeed dismissed the notion about e-passports replacing old passports and said obtaining them was voluntary. The chip will carry the details of the passport holder in electronic form and this would, in all likelihood, put an end to forged passports.
He was speaking to reporters here along with Chief Passport Officer T. Armstrong Changsan, Protector General of Emigrants Bramha Kumar, Regional Passport Officer-Hyderabad Dasari Balaiah, RPO Vishakapatnam Vishwanjali Gaikwad, and RPO Vijayawada D.S.S. Srinivasa Rao.
Mr Sayeed said the RPOs had done their best to clear the huge backlog of passport applications after COVID-19 through optimal utilisation of manpower resources. The demand shot up after the Passport Seva Kendras (PSKs) started functioning fully after the COVID break, and the air space for travel opened up. Despite the huge rush, applications under the Tatkal scheme are being cleared within five days, and the regular ones within two to three weeks.
The RPO Hyderabad, he said, issued 3.43 lakh passports from January to July 2022. In the year 2021, it issued 4,28,246 passports. The services would be expanded as the government plans to have a post office PSK in every Parliamentary constituency.
Stating that applicants’ interests were of paramount importance, he announced special measures to address the demand for Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs). Every Saturday, people with PCC issues can walk in directly without any appointment with the RPO, and their issues will be addressed. “The RPO Hyderabad will issue the guidelines soon,” he said.
Earlier, the team met senior state government officials including Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and DGP M. Mahender Reddy as part of the outreach programme and reviewed matters pertaining to mobility and migration, NRI and diaspora affairs, employment opportunities for the workforce of Telangana, skilling and upskilling of prospective job seekers, ease of emigration services to the blue-collared workers from the state.
Mr. Sayeed also launched a mobile application called ‘T-Migration App’, which has been developed by the Telangana government for migrants from the State.
Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia promoted to new job at home
- Dr. Ausaf Sayeed is expected to take up his new assignment in New Delhi next month
- The process to select his successor in Riyadh has already begun
JEDDAH: India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, has been appointed to a new position as secretary for consular, passport, visa and overseas Indian affairs in his country’s Ministry of External Affairs.
His new job will be based at the ministry’s headquarters in New Delhi. His area of responsibility will include Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen and Iraq. He will also liaise on his country’s behalf with the Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Arab League and the Maghreb Union.
In terms of bureaucratic ranking, the new job is a promotion as the position is several notches above that of ambassador. The appointment was approved and cleared by the Indian Cabinet on Tuesday.
The position crowns Sayeed’s illustrious diplomatic career that has included a number of postings, the most prominent of which included spells as consul general in Jeddah from August 2004 to July 2008, consul general in Chicago, and ambassador to the Seychelles, Yemen and, most recently, Saudi Arabia.
Sayeed has completed his three-year term in Saudi Arabia having been named as ambassador to Saudi Arabia in March 2019.
He is expected to take up his new assignment next month. The name of his successor in Riyadh has yet to be announced but sources said the selection process has begun.
Sayeed is a familiar face in Saudi Arabia. During his three years as ambassador he helped to raise India’s profile in the Kingdom as he emphasized the mutual benefits the bilateral relationship can and does bring.
He was responsible for enhancing the image of his country, and of Indian professionals, through the founding of organizations such as the Saudi-Indian Business Network, the Indo-Saudi Medical Forum, and the Saudi-Indian Friendship Society. During his posting in Riyadh, and his previous one in Jeddah, huge strides were taken in the efforts to enhance the ties between India and Saudi Arabia in a variety of fields.
One of Sayeed’s most outstanding achievements came at the height of the pandemic when he oversaw the gargantuan effort to repatriate Indian nationals from the Kingdom to India, an operation carried out by special Vande Bharat flights.
Sayeed comes from a family in Hyderabad that has rich literary credentials, and was himself a gold medalist at the city’s Osmania University. His father, Awaz Sayeed, was a well-known modern Urdu essayist and short-story writer.
Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia promoted as secretary of overseas Indian affairs
Hyderabad, INDIA / Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA :
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed expected to accept his new assignment in New Delhi next month.
New Delhi:
India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr Ausaf Sayeed, has been appointed to a new position as Secretary, Overseas Indian affairs in the country’s Ministry of External Affairs.
He has been appointed as the Secretary, (consular, passport, visa and Overseas Indian affairs). He is expected to accept his new assignment in New Delhi next month. The name of his successor in Riyadh is yet to be announced, but as per reports, the selection process has begun.
In terms of the bureaucratic arrangement, the new post is a promotion because the post is several degrees higher than that of an ambassador. The appointment was approved by the Indian cabinet on Tuesday.
About Dr Ausaf Sayeed
Dr Ausaf Sayeed completed his three-year term in Saudi Arabia after being appointed ambassador to Saudi Arabia in March 2019.
Dr Ausaf Sayeed’s tenure in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, first as a Consul General and as Ambassador, has been exemplary in strengthening Indo-Saudi bilateral relations.
He belongs to a well-known, educated family in Hyderabad. His father, Awaz Sayeed, was a well-known modern Urdu essayist and short-story writer. He has performed diplomatic services in Egypt, Qatar, Denmark, Yemen, Chicago and Shashail.
Dr Ausaf Sayeed is known for his love for the Urdu language and its propagation. Wherever he was posted, he always convened Urdu Mushairas and brought the Indian diaspora on a single platform.
Ssource: http://www.siasat.com/ February 16th, 2022
Jeddawis and CGI pay glowing tributes to “People’s Ambassador” Dr. Ausaf Sayeed
Siasat.com
By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
Jeddah: Glowing tributes were paid to the outgoing Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, at an impressive event here recently.
The event was organized by the Consulate General of India and the Indian community in Jeddah to bid adieu to the highly respected Indian diplomat who is popularly known as “The People’s Ambassador.”
Besides the wife of Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Mrs. Farah, a large number of consulate officials and the elite of Jeddah including several Saudi friends and media persons were in attendance at the grand and memorable function at the prestigious Hotel Ritz Carlton, set along the Jeddah Corniche.
Dr. Ausaf Sayeed will be taking up his new assignment as secretary for consular, passport, visa and overseas Indian affairs in the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
A video showcasing the services and achievements of Dr. Ausaf Sayeed during his different stints in Saudi Arabia was presented by the officials of the Indian community in Jeddah along with the consul general.
An exhibition showcasing paintings of different Indian places drawn by “Together in Art” led by Moona Fatima was displayed outside the hotel’s banquet hall. The paintings were done by a team of 22 young artists from India, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Egypt.
Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam touched many a heart in the
“During my interaction with the Indian community and with my Saudi brothers and sisters in the year 2016 when I was appointed as deputy consul general in Jeddah, the first question I was asked was “Where is Ausaf Sayeed Sahab?”. It was even when the ambassador had completed his tenure in Jeddah as the consul general in 2008. “Even after 8 years, Indian community members and our Saudi brothers and sisters still remembered his contribution which also created a great respect for us,” he said.
Shahid Alam continued: “Wherever I sit with him in the office or in the car, in just ten minutes, we get a factory of ideas from him. You just mention anything and he will give us immense ideas based on his vast experience and great wisdom. I just think about how to implement those ideas. The consulate has benefited greatly from his ideas. Let me be honest that his guidance has helped us a lot. Believe me we are so called young generation and in a text style manner no one can beat our beloved ambassador. Likewise, Madam Farah Sayeed is also so humble that myself and with my wife, Shakeela, have witnessed very closely her love and encouragement of the juniors very much. We feel proud to be a part of their esteemed family now. I can proudly say he is indeed a “People’s Ambassador”.
The consul general’s speech was a statement of his feelings on which senior journalist Siraj Wahab commented that Shahid Alam had offered his heart to Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. He simply described three stages of his relationship with the ambassador. First, he became dear, then he became respectable and finally he became beloved. It was as if a younger brother was showing affection towards his elder brother, or a son expressing gratitude to his father for all the love and affection he has showered.
The outgoing ambassador shed a detailed light on his diplomatic career. He gave several examples of the obstacles he had come across and how he surmounted them.
The ambassador was all praise for the services of his team at the Indian embassy and also appreciated Consul General Shahid Alam and his team who had always stood with him and implemented many of his ideas. He said: “Every day is a learning experience. My juniors are seeking guidance from me and I feel happy and proud to share my knowledge, wisdom and experience with them. I also want them to achieve success and reach greater heights.
This was followed by a short quiz played on Kahoot app by Asim Zeeshan wherein questions about the ambassador were put to the audience. The theme of the quiz was “How much do you know about your ambassador”. The top three winners were awarded prizes by the ambassador. The prizes were sponsored by Petronas.
Earlier, prominent media persons, Saudi brothers and Indian community members expressed their feelings by applauding the services and achievements of Dr. Ausaf Sayeed. Besides Siraj Wahab, Ram Narayan Iyer, Mahtab Qadr, Arif Qureshi, Nouf Marwai, Mohammed Bagader, Hassan Cheruppa, Mohammed Alungal, VP Mohammed Ali, Khaled Mutabagani, Pradeep Sharma, Tahseen Wehdat, Riaz Mulla, Ibrahim Bohra, Khaled Kamal Khan, Ayoub Hakeem, Saleem Qadri, Dr. Jemsith Ahmed, Dr. Mushkat, Dr. Ataat Khan, Mohammed Rafeeq and Ravi Krishnan also spoke.
The event concluded with the cake cutting ceremony by the Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, Madam Farah Sayeed, Indian Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam along with his wife Shakeela Khatoon followed by a sumptuous dinner.
Indian Embassy launches key series with Arab News editor-in-chief as inaugural speaker
- Faisal J. Abbas spoke about Vision 2030 and the evolution of Saudi society through the prism of the Kingdom’s media
RIYADH: To mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, as well as the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Saudi Arabia, Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed on Tuesday launched the “Distinguished Speakers Series,” with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas the inaugural speaker.
Abbas spoke at length about the evolution of Saudi society as viewed through the prism of Saudi media. The editor-in-chief also talked about the cultural renaissance that has followed the recent path-breaking social reforms.
In his welcome address, Sayeed said that rapid socioeconomic changes have been happening in the Kingdom thanks to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 program.
“It was felt that we needed to organize events to help the diplomatic and expatriate community get a perspective on these changes and other aspects of the Kingdom and its rapidly evolving society. We should be aware of the points of view of prominent personalities, mainly Saudis, from various walks of life, including business, media, art and culture,” Sayeed said.
He said that when he conceived the idea of the series, he thought it should begin with a very distinguished personality.
“Faisal Abbas was an automatic choice for the inaugural edition. He is a very familiar name to all of us who follow English media in the Kingdom, and apart from his incisive and analytical articles on political issues, he is also a regular speaker at the World Economic Forum, and we also see him regularly interviewing global leaders,” Sayeed said.
He added that, under Abbas’ leadership, Arab News had extended its global footprint and now had several editions in different parts of the world. “The newspaper provides a critical voice from the Middle East, not only covering events in the Kingdom but also throughout the region, where he is an eminent columnist. It’s always a pleasure to read what he writes.”
The audience included a large number of serving ambassadors to the Kingdom, along with former diplomats, fellow journalists and members of Saudi Arabia’s Indian community, which is estimated at more than 2.5 million.
“I need no welcome to come to my home,” said Abbas. “The Indian Embassy is not only my home but home to every Saudi. As the ambassador mentioned, we are celebrating the 75th anniversary of India’s independence and the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Saudi Arabia. We look forward to forging stronger ties and strategic relationships between our countries.”
He added: “It is a great responsibility to be in charge of a Saudi newspaper looking outward to the world. The changes we have witnessed over the past four or five years and our responsibilities have quadrupled because of the transformations occurring in the Kingdom.”
As for the newspaper being the leading voice for diplomats, he said: “We are very privileged at Arab News to be, in most cases, the first point of contact with diplomats when they arrive in Saudi Arabia and also the last point when we get the farewell interview.”
The evening was anchored and moderated by Asim Anwar, second secretary (economic and commercial) at the Indian Embassy. It concluded with the ambassador presenting Abbas with an honorary memento.
DiplomaticQuarter: Diplomats in Riyadh celebrate International Mother Language Day
RIYADH: Dozens of diplomats and a host of special guests attended an event in Riyadh to mark International Mother Language Day.
The annual event, which falls on Feb. 21, aims to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism around the world.
At the Embassy of Bangladesh in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, Dr. Mohammad Javed Patwary, the South Asian county’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, hosted a gathering for about 45 diplomats, including nine ambassadors, as well as officials from the UN office and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
He said in his welcome speech that many languages, and their related cultural heritage, were disappearing from the world and called for everyone to do more to protect them.
Hattan bin Samman, secretary-general of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, was guest of honor at the event. Ibrahim Elziq, the World Health Organization’s representative to Saudi Arabia, and Amina Al-Hajri, OIC director-general for cultural, social and family affairs, also attended as special guests.
Dya-Eddine Said Bamakhrama, the dean of the diplomatic corps and Djibouti’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Indian Ambassador Dr. Ausaf Sayeed and Sri Lankan Ambassador Pakeer Mohideen Amza also spoke at the meeting.
They stressed the importance of people learning their mother language to protect their heritage and promote cultural diversity.
They also warned of the scarcity of technological support for multilingual education, and called upon all countries to promote and maintain cultural heritage and diversity through the practice of language.
The speakers also noted Bangladesh’s contribution to the recognition of Feb. 21 as International Mother Language Day.
The theme of this year’s event — “Using technology for multilingual learning: Challenges and opportunities” — seeks to promote the role of technology to advance multilingual education and support the development of quality teaching and learning for all.
As well as the discussions, the day was celebrated with the showing of a documentary film and songs sung in different languages.
DiplomaticQuarter: Indian Embassy in Riyadh organizes Ambassador Golf Tournament 2022
RIYADH: The Embassy of India organized the Ambassador Golf Tournament 2022 to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s independence, which also marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
India gained independence from British rule on Aug. 15, 1947. India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties, but diplomatic relations were officially established that year.
More than 65 players, including ambassadors, members of the diplomatic corps and professionals from various nationalities, participated in the golf tournament, which was played over 18 holes at the picturesque Dirab Golf and Country Club, Riyadh. Women and children also participated.
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Ausaf Sayeed spoke at the event, highlighting the bilateral cooperation between India and the Kingdom in the fields of sports and culture. After he had awarded prizes to the winners, there was a luncheon reception.
The tournament, which has been organized regularly by the Indian Embassy to mark India’s Republic Day, coincides with the rising popularity of the sport in the Kingdom.
With continued investment in sports in line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom is uniting expert stakeholders across the country to enhance its position on the world stage in various sports. Sport provides the most comprehensive opportunity to showcase Saudi Arabia’s national endeavor and diversify the lifestyle of its people.
The Saudi Open is one of the events that Golf Saudi holds annually to raise awareness of the game in the Kingdom and to develop home-grown talent.
By working with other sports federations and the Ministry of Sport, Golf Saudi, which is the commercial development arm of the Saudi Golf Federation, is looking to underline the wider benefit of sports participation.
Combined with grassroots training and education programs that introduce people to the game at the earliest opportunity, Golf Saudi is committed to delivering a dynamic national development program that transforms the golfing landscape.
DiplomaticQuarter: Indian Embassy in Riyadh celebrates 73rd Republic Day
RIYADH: The Embassy of India in Riyadh celebrated the 73rd Republic Day with great fervor to honor the historic date of Jan. 26, 1950, when India’s constitution came into effect and the country became a republic.
The celebration began in the morning with a flag-hoisting ceremony on the embassy premises, where Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia Dr. Ausaf Sayeed unfurled the national flag of India.
Sayeed extended greetings to all the attendees at the function and to all Indians residing in Saudi Arabia.
“On this joyous occasion of the 73rd Republic Day of India, I would like to extend my warm greetings and felicitations to all Indian nationals, persons of Indian origin, and friends of India in the Kingdom,” envoy tweeted.
He also talked of the growing ties of India and Saudi Arabia. He said that since independence, India’s relationship with the Kingdom has evolved into a multifaceted and mutually beneficial strategic partnership encompassing several key areas, including defense and security cooperation, investment, healthcare, technology, energy and food security.
The envoy also read out the message of the President of India, Ramnath Kovind, on the occasion, which read: “My heartiest greetings to all of you, in India and abroad, on the 73rd Republic Day! It is an occasion to celebrate what is common to us all, our Indian-ness. It was on this day in 1950 that this sacred essence of us all assumed a formal shape. That day, India was established as the largest democratic republic and ‘we the people’ put into effect a constitution that is an inspired document of our collective vision. It is this spirit of unity and of being one nation which is celebrated every year as Republic Day.”
This was followed by cultural performances given by the students of Indian schools in Riyadh.
The event was attended by members of the Indian community based in the Kingdom.
The celebration holds greater significance for Indians across the world as India is celebrating its 75th year of independence. India gained its independence on Aug. 15, 1947. This celebration also coincides with 75 years of diplomatic relations between India and Saudi Arabia.
