Consul General Mohammed Shahid Alam JEDDAH: I extend my warmest greetings to all Indians and friends of India on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day of India. On this auspicious day, I honor and remember every personality whose blood, toil and sacrifice have made possible the freedom we enjoy today. Today’s India-Saudi cooperation is no longer restricted to the traditional sphere of oil-energy trade. Instead, the relationship has become multifaceted thanks to the impetus given by the leaderships of both countries to other areas, including defense, maritime security, counterterrorism, science and technology, strategic oil reserves, investments, tourism, and so on. This bonhomie has come about at a time when mega economic reform programs are underway in Saudi Arabia, for which India would extend all its support and be a partner in all possible fields. We express our sincere gratitude to King Salman, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the government and people of Saudi Arabia for their support and for providing a conducive environment for the Indians to live and work in the Kingdom. We also congratulate the Kingdom on the successful organization of Hajj this year in which about 80,000 Indian Hajjis were able to complete their most cherished dream of Hajj. With the cooperation of Saudi authorities, we have worked sincerely and diligently to ensure the delivery of the best possible consular and welfare services to the Indian community living in the Western Provinces of Saudi Arabia. We thank the Saudi Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Interior and the authorities of Jawazat, Tarheel and other agencies who have always provided the best possible assistance to the consulate in its efforts to ensure the welfare of Indians. I also thank my fellow Indians in Saudi Arabia and the people of Saudi Arabia for the bond they share and the contributions they make to the strengthening of India-Saudi Arabia relations. We look forward to your continued participation and support to the consulate’s activities and endeavors. Happy Independence Day! May our spirits rise with the flag today! Mohammed Shahid Alam Indian consul general in Jeddah