PM Modi: India-Saudi Arabia Partnership Crucial For Regional Stability

After attending the G20 Leaders' summit in New Delhi, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud held extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (11 September).

The talks between the two leaders focused on strengthening bilateral trade and defence relations.

Additionally, they co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). During their meeting, Prime Minister Modi emphasised the significance of the partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.

He highlighted that India-Saudi Arabia partnership is "crucial for stability and welfare of the region and the world", Indian Express reported.

“We are adding new dimension to our ties in tune with changing times,” the PM added.

Prior to their discussions, Prime Minister Modi warmly welcomed the Saudi Crown Prince at the Hyderabad House, marking the beginning of a "new chapter in the India-Saudi Arabia ties".

According to news agency PTI, the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) was established in October 2019 during Prime Minister Modi's visit to Riyadh.

The council consists of two committees: the Committee on Political-Security-Social & Cultural Cooperation and the Committee on Economy and Investment.

The recent talks between the leaders follow the ministerial meetings of these committees held in September 2022 in Riyadh.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Delhi on Saturday for a three-day visit, which included attending the G20 Summit and a state visit.

Before the talks, Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, marking the beginning of his state visit.

“Well done India, a lot of announcements made that will benefit both our countries, the G20 countries and the whole world. So I want to say to India well done, and we will work to create a future for both countries” he told reporters after the ceremonial welcome.

At the G20 Leaders’ Summit, India, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union announced a historic agreement to launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor.

The Indian-Saudi Investment Forum is currently taking place in New Delhi alongside the official state visit of the Saudi Crown Prince to India.