On 23rd September 2025, Saudi Arabia marked its 95th National Day, celebrating the unification and achievements of the Kingdom. Citizens across the country participated in cultural events, patriotic displays, and various celebrations to honour the occasion. The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in New Delhi, India, also joined in the festivities, hosting a ceremony attended by diplomats, guests, and members of the Saudi community. The Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Ahmad bin Mushabbab Al-Ahmari, welcomed attendees and delivered a speech highlighting the significance of the day, extending congratulations to the Kingdom’s leadership and people on this historic milestone. The embassy’s celebration reflected the spirit of unity, pride, and cultural heritage, bringing a touch of Saudi Arabia’s National Day spirit to India.
Apart from speeches, meetings, and a gala dinner, the Embassy event had much to offer to make the day memorable. Several pavilions were organized by the Cultural Mission in New Delhi and the Saudi School, where Saudi students showcased drawings and activities related to their country’s culture and heritage while interacting with Indian students. This created a student-to-student exchange that further deepened the mutual ties. A booth by Saudia Airlines highlighted its achievements, while another by Aramco showcased its milestones, symbolizing the Kingdom’s progress.
Among the special invitees were renowned Indian biker and adventurous traveller Mr. Captain Mir Shakeel Rahman and his Saudi-born wife, Captain Amal Ahmed. As a couple from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds, they emphasized how love, connection, and dedication can transcend borders. They shared their journey of traveling the world together, narrating experiences of exploring diverse cuisines, meeting people across cultures, and overcoming challenges. Speaking of their travels in India, they praised the country’s hospitality, diversity, and vibrant culture.
Being adventurous travellers, they were drawn to the mountainous terrains of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. They described being awestruck by the natural beauty, warmth of the people, unique food, and cultural richness of the region. They also appreciated the government’s efforts in boosting tourism, particularly the improvements in infrastructure, connectivity, and accessibility to remote tourist spots. Their amazement grew during their visit to the Astronomical Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh. They recounted their achievement of reaching the world’s highest motorable pass, Umling La, where they proudly raised the Saudi flag, dedicating it as a gift to their homeland on the 95th Saudi National Day. Their story stands as a testimony that love and human connection transcend human-made borders.
They underpinned that growing Saudi-India ties and cooperation have encouraged and allowed more people-to-people connection between the citizens of the two nations and are going to only grow further in coming times, establishing a base for long-lasting friendly ties between the nations and their nationals. This deepening engagement is reflected in cultural exchanges, educational opportunities, tourism, and business partnerships that bring the societies closer. The increased movement of professionals, students, and entrepreneurs across borders has further expanded mutual understanding. Such bonds not only reinforce bilateral trust but also ensure that future generations inherit a relationship rooted in goodwill, respect, and shared aspirations.
Examples of cross-cultural relationships add a personal and emotional dimension to diplomacy. Recently, news emerged of an India-Ukrainian couple where the Ukrainian woman admired India’s diversity, shared her fondness for sarees, and embraced Indian traditions wholeheartedly. Just as in the case of Captain Rahman and Captain Amal Ahmed, such stories highlight how love and emotions can erase cultural and national differences, proving that human bonds are far stronger than political divides.
Saudi Arabia and India, though distinct in culture and heritage, have found common ground in their growing ties. At a time when the world faces deep divides and rigid borders, the connection of a Saudi-Indian couple inspires others, showing that humanity and love transcend every barrier. These people-to-people bonds also mirror the growing diplomatic and economic relationship between the two nations. With immense trade, partnerships, collaborations, and agreements strengthening ties, the emotional touch of individual connections only makes bilateral cooperation more resilient and meaningful.
Moreover, in recent years, a new dimension has been added that strengthened the relationship cultural and social ties, music and Bollywood collaborations, and sports tie-ups. Such elements have further deepened the people-to-people exchange, helping the nations work and grow together towards a sustainable future. These interactions not only create mutual appreciation but also bridge generational gaps, fostering a sense of shared identity. By celebrating each other’s art, heritage, and athletic spirit, the two nations are building a foundation of trust and friendship that goes beyond politics and economics.
The case of Mr. Captain Mir Shakeel Rahman and his Saudi-born wife, Captain Amal Ahmed, is only one example that has come into the public eye, but there are numerous similar cases in different spheres of life whether in professional collaborations, academic exchanges, friendships, or other forms of relationships that reflect the growing ties between the two great countries. These examples demonstrate that love, understanding, and human connection rise above divisions that often restrict people-to-people engagement. Such instances not only highlight the depth of mutual cooperation and trust but also serve as a reflection of the broader bilateral engagements between Saudi Arabia and India, which are destined to strengthen and deepen further in the years to come.

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