The strategic cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia is critical for regional and global security and welfare, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday during discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud.
Saudi Arabia is an important Middle Eastern strategic partner for India. Overall, the two countries’ relations have improved dramatically in recent years. Both parties have also been trying to strengthen their defense and security cooperation.
Modi described Saudi Arabia as one of India’s most significant strategic partners, saying that both sides are adding new dimensions to the ties to keep up with changing times.
Modi and Bin Salman discussed bilateral relations at the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
“We have identified several initiatives to take our close partnership to the next level. Saudi Arabia is important for India. I once again thank His Royal Highness for his contribution to the success of the G20 Summit,” said PM Modi during a meeting with Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, at Hyderabad House.
The Saudi Crown Prince arrived in Delhi on Friday for a three-day visit and stayed back after the G20 Summit for his state visit.
In his opening remarks during the meeting, the prime minister stated that numerous projects have been identified to move “our close partnership to the next level.” Today’s meeting will give our partnership fresh direction and drive.”
The India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council was established in 2019 with the goal of increasing cooperation in important areas. Following the conclusion of the G20 Summit, Bin Salman is on a State visit to India.
The Crown Prince was given a ceremonial greeting at the Rashtrapati Bhavan’s forecourt before to the talks.
“I’m delighted to be in India. “I’d like to congratulate India on the G20 Summit,” Bin Salman told reporters following the ceremonial greeting.
The Saudi leader stated that the summit announcements will benefit the entire planet. “We will work together to create a great future for both countries,” he said.
Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most important Middle Eastern strategic partners. Overall, ties between the two countries have improved significantly in recent years.
The two sides have also been working to deepen their defense and security collaboration.
In December 2020, then-Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia for the first time as the leader of the 1.3 million-strong Army. Since then, both sides have exchanged high-level military officers.