King Saud bin Abdulaziz was the first of King Abdulaziz’s sons to assume the throne. His father chose him as Crown Prince, and after King Abdulaziz passed away in 1373 AH, Saud became King and ruled for eleven years. King Saud—may God have mercy on him—was known for racing against time to build the nation, modernize the Kingdom, and elevate it to the ranks of advanced states.
This article does not focus on his domestic achievements—great as they were—but rather highlights a part of his foreign policy and the Kingdom’s relations with the world. King Saud gave significant attention to international engagement, signing treaties and undertaking more than 35 official foreign trips, both regional and international. He also represented King Abdulaziz on many occasions.
Among his many journeys, his official visit to India stands out. India was a major industrial nation, rich in history and deeply connected to Muslim civilization. It occupied a central position in Asia and was a founding member of the Non‑Aligned Movement. Moreover, India and Saudi Arabia shared unique and longstanding economic and cultural ties spanning centuries. The Indian government—diverse in religions and ethnicities—was well aware of the Kingdom’s importance in the Arab and Islamic worlds, especially its custodianship of the Two Holy Mosques.
King Saud’s historic journey to India began on 26 November 1955, following an official invitation from Indian President Rajendra Prasad. He departed from Riyadh to Dhahran by plane, then traveled to Karachi, where he stayed for several hours before continuing to Santa Cruz Airport in Bombay. The Indian President and members of his government received him at the airport. From there, he traveled by train to his residence at the Red Fort.
Accompanying him were several of his brothers—Princes Abdulmohsen, Nayef, Abdulilah, Ahmed, Musaad bin Abdulrahman, and Mohammed bin Saud Al‑Kabir—as well as his sons: Princes Mohammed, Khalid, Majid, Badr, Saad, Faisal, Sultan, and Abdulrahman, all students at the Anjal Institute.
Upon arriving at the Red Fort, King Saud led the Friday prayer, after which grand cultural celebrations were held in his honor. His visit lasted 17 days, filled with successful engagements that strengthened relations between the two nations. His itinerary included several major Indian cities: Bombay, Delhi, Aligarh, Benares, and Hyderabad, where he received warm and enthusiastic welcomes.
Highlights of the Historic Visit
- The beginning of a strategic partnership serving India, Saudi Arabia, and the Gulf region.
- Establishment of a comprehensive alliance between the two friendly nations—regionally and internationally—during the Cold War.
- Laying new foundations for cooperation across all fields benefiting both peoples.
- A grand public celebration in Bombay hosted by the Indian President and his government at the Red Fort.
- Leading the Friday prayer at the Red Fort Mosque—an honor for the Indian Muslims to be led by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.
- Receiving great respect and honor from Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
- Presenting Nehru with a purebred Arabian horse.
- Laying the foundation stone for the Salafi University in Benares.
- Visiting the Punjab region, warmly welcomed by its governor and people.
- Traveling by car to Aligarh, where crowds lined the roads to greet him.
- Leading the prayer at the Aligarh Mosque.
- Receiving an honorary doctorate from Aligarh Muslim University.
- Visiting the Taj Mahal, one of India’s greatest historical monuments.
- Leading the prayer at the Delhi Mosque before 100,000 worshippers.
- Receiving an honorary doctorate in law.
- Visiting the National Defense College and presenting a gold sword to General Habibullah, its commander.
- Concluding his 17‑day visit and departing from Bombay after expressing deep gratitude for the hospitality and honor shown by the Indian President and government. The visit resulted in the establishment of strong, high‑level relations between the two nations—continuing the path laid by the Founder, King Abdulaziz, and followed by King Saud and his noble brothers, giving the Kingdom a respected and influential voice on the international stage.
By the grace of God,
Nasser bin Ibrahim Al‑Hazza‘