THE Government of India is deeply concerned about the welfare of the 4mn Indians working abroad and the countrys foreign policies are framed taking into account this factor, Indias Minister of State for External Affairs E Ahmed yesterday said.
Addressing a community reception at the Indian Cultural Centre last night, the minister announced that the government would accord top priority to solve the problems being faced by its people working overseas. "Introduction of open houses to bring the missions to the people has been highly appreciated by all. "Tomorrow, I will take up a number of issues with the Indian ambassadors to the countries in the region at a meeting scheduled in Doha," he said. "Among them are shortage of staff at various Indian embassies in the Gulf, major problems faced by the Indian expatriate community and ways and means to strengthen bilateral relations." Referring to Qatar, the minister observed that it was a home away from home for him and he enjoyed the hospitality of the people in Qatar. "India-Qatar ties have grown to the level of strategic relations." About the recently concluded India-US nuclear agreement, the minister reiterated that it was in the best interest of India. "Every Indian should be proud of his country. We never succumb to external pressure." Regarding Irans nuclear programme, the minister said Iran has every right to conduct nuclear research for peaceful purposes and according to international commitments. "Indias unwavering support to the cause of the Palestinian people is another example of Indias neutral stand," he said. "India believes that the invasion of Iraq by the US was a mistake. "India has become a global leader in many areas. In this context, it deserves a permanent place in the UN Security Council, " the visiting minister said. A memorandum, highlighting issues such as attestation of documents, introduction of smart cards, setting up of Pravasi Centre, increasing the staff strength in the embassy, separate Pravasi Day for the Gulf region, reservation for NRI students in educational institutions and land for the Indian Cultural Centre was presented to the minister. Replying to it, Ahmed assured the gathering that all possible efforts would be made to meet the genuine demands. Indian Ambassador Dr George Joseph, ICC president KC Varghese, KMCC president S A M Basheer and Norka Roots director C K Menon also spoke. Indian ambassador to Bahrain Rama Krishna Shetty also attended. P A M.Sherif presented a memento to the minister. ICC general secretary Saleem Ponnambath welcomed the gathering and vice- president Tarun Basu proposed a vote of thanks. AV (Gulf-Times Qatar)