Padma Bhushan: Mr Shyam Saran delivers G-20 Sir Syed Memorial Lecture

Aligarh : In a gathering of distinguished minds, the highly anticipated G-20 Sir Syed Memorial Lecture on the topic: “India and West Asia : How India’s Western Neighborhood is Changing and Impacting on India’s Foreign Policy”, took place today at Aligarh Muslim University . The venue JNMC Auditorium was abuzz with excitement as Mr. Shyam Saran, a seasoned diplomat and Padma Bhushan awardee, graced the stage as the distinguished speaker.

In his opening remark Mr. Saran said that this a special occasion as the Nation is hosting the G-20 Summit which reaffirms India’s role at the International Arena. He emphasized that Sir Syed Ahmad Khan was not only the founder of AMU the historic Institution, but he was also a crusader for emancipating minds through pursuit of knowledge.

Talking about the latest developments that are taking place in West Asia, he said this is the region where Islam was born and flourished across the world including India; “I see the changes taking place in both the Sunni World Centred in Saudi Arabia and the Shia World Centred in Iran. These Changes encompass society and culture, politics and economics and these in turn are re-orienting the foreign policies of West Asian states. They are changing the manner in which other states are engaging West Asia. India has to be vigilant about the huge shift in the neighborhood”, he added.

Pointing on the energy revolution, he said this region sits on the largest pool of oil and every producer is deeply committed to economic diversification and Saudi Arabia is leading the way. Climate Change is accentuating the shift away from fossil fuels and it is the gulf kingdoms which are aspiring to become leaders in renewable energy. India must now adjust to the fact that these economies are in the midst of significant economic restructuring and that entirely new opportunities are opening up for expanded partnership between India and West Asian countries.

 Saudi Arabia is promoting tourism and for that pre-Islamic sites are being renovated and restored. Dubai is a model for Saudi Arabia, which has been an outlier in the region in respect of its cosmopolitanism. The other region witnessing change is Iran, he remarked.

Talking about the diplomatic dimension he said; there are nine million Indians who live and work in the Middle East and the remittances they send to India are substantial. The UAE and Saudi Arabia have become major resources of foreign investment in India. India also has important security stakes in the eastern as well as western regions of the Indian Ocean. The normalization of relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia is the most significant development.

He said, India has pursued a bilateral and to some extent a transactional approach in managing its relations with the countries of West Asia and this has been quite successful. It has been able to expand its relations with the Arab states even while consolidating and expanding its relations with Israel. India’s foreign policy in West Asia has been justifiably applauded as having been successful in reinforcing its historic and cultural ties with the countries of the region, he added.

I see a more exciting phase unfolding in West Asia, one which could multiply opportunities for India, but only if we remain ahead of the learning curve of a more complex and transformational change taking place in India’s western neighborhood, Mr Saran concluded.

Presiding over the event, the Vice-Chancellor of AMU, Prof. Mohammad Gulrez, expressed his delight at the presence of Mr. Shyam Saran and the opportunity to gain invaluable insights into India’s foreign policy. Prof. Gulrez emphasized the significance of this lecture series in fostering intellectual discourse and deepening understanding among the academic community and beyond.

Inviting Mr. Saran to visit the university again Prof. Gulrez said “whoever drinks from the Nile, will always return to it. This is also true for Aligarh Muslim University”.

The Registrar of AMU Mr. Mohammad Imran (IPS) briefly introduced Mr. Shyam Saran and highlighted his significant contribution to the multilateral economic , climate change, energy security and other strategic areas central to India’s foreign policy.

In his welcome address Director, Sir Syed Academy Prof Ali Mohammad Naqvi said AMU has played a significant role in fostering India’s relationship with West Asian countries. Dr. Mohammad Shahid, the Deputy Director, the Academy, while offering vote of thanks said Sir Syed Academy will continue to play a pivotal role in promoting intellectual and cultural activities.

The event, organized by Sir Syed Academy of AMU, witnessed an illustrious audience consisting of faculty members, students, and dignitaries from various fields. A memento was also presented to Mr Saran by the Vice Chancellor on the occasion.

The proceedings were conducted by Archivist of the Academy Dr. Syed Hussain Haider.