Accusing the centre of not maintaining the warmth and cordial relations with the Islamic countries as in the earlier days, Advisor to the President of Sudan, Ahmed Abdur Rahman Mohammed, reminded that such a policy was against the wishes of the Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi.
Speaking at a program organised by the Indo-Arab League at Hyderabad to express solidarity with the Islamic World at Jubilee Hall on Sunday, Abdur Rahman stated that Gandhiji was keen to build, promote and strengthen relationships between India and the Islamic countries.
Abdur Rahman reminded that India was the founder-member of the Non-Aligned Movement, and had traditionally stood up and raised its voice to support any oppressed country in the world.
The distinguished guest accused the western countries of trying to drive wedges among the various Islamic countries of the world and their friends. He also cautioned the Indian government to be alert about these devious plans and not to fall prey to their conspiracies.
The dignitary called on the people of India and the government to work towards strengthening the relations between India and Sudan.
Pointing out that a large number of students from his country availed of the educational facilities in India, Abdur Rahman thanked the people for welcoming the students with open arms.
Congress Working Committee member K Keshav Rao stated that the centuries old relationship between India and Sudan could not be broken easily. He added that the UPA government would try and strengthen the relationship.
Keshav Rao recalled how former Prime Minister, the late Jawaharlal Nehru, had taken out a handkerchief and designed the map of Sudan when that country attained independence.
Iran Counsel-general Mahmood Safari told the visiting dignitary that Iran also supported Sudan. He accused the West, particularly United States and Britain, of trying to break up the Islamic countries, especially Iran, Sudan, Palestine and Afghanistan.
CPI leader and MP Aziz Pasha stated that the West could not digest the progress of Sudan in the wake of oil and precious metals being unearthed there. He alleged that the American government was playing politics by provoking one group against another.
Editor of respected Urdu daily and Indo-Arab League Chairman Syed Viqaruddin stated that the P V Narasimha Rao government had started the trend of siding with the West instead of India's traditional allies.
MLC Hafiz Peer Shabbir Ahmed and Prof. Punnaiah also spoke.