India, Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Trade, Defense Ties
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral trade and defense ties. The two leaders also co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).
During the meeting, PM Modi highlighted the importance of the India-Saudi Arabia partnership, which he said is “crucial for stability and welfare of the region and the world.” He added that the two countries are “adding new dimensions to our ties in tune with changing times.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Hyderabad House in New Delhi, marking a “new chapter in the India-Saudi Arabia ties.”
The Saudi Crown Prince arrived in Delhi on Saturday for a three-day visit, combining the G20 Summit attendance with a state visit. The two leaders held bilateral talks at Hyderabad House, where they discussed ways to strengthen their strategic partnership.
The SPC was formed in October 2019 during PM Modi’s visit to Riyadh. It has two committees: the Committee on Political-Security-Social & Cultural Cooperation and the Committee on Economy and Investment. Today’s talks between both leaders follow the ministerial meetings of the two committees held in September 2022 in Riyadh.
Ahead of the talks, the Saudi Crown Prince was given a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the start of his state visit.
Also read: IMF Chief Says G20 Leaders Agree to Work Together on Global Challenges
President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where he inspected a combined military guard of honor. In a statement, the Crown Prince, who is also the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, congratulated India on its successful G20 presidency.
India has done a great job. Many announcements have been made that will benefit both our countries, the G20 countries, and the whole world. I want to congratulate India and I look forward to working with them to create a better future for both our countries.
India, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union announced a major agreement to launch a large-scale India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The Indian-Saudi Investment Forum is being held in New Delhi alongside the official state visit to India by the Saudi Crown Prince.
