New Delhi – In a significant development following the G20 Leaders’ summit in New Delhi, India and Saudi Arabia have reaffirmed their commitment to bolstering bilateral trade and defense ties.
Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud held extensive talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) during his three-day visit to India.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the paramount importance of the India-Saudi Arabia partnership, stating that it is “crucial for the stability and welfare of the region and the world”. He also noted that the relationship between the two nations is evolving in line with changing times.
The visit marked a “new chapter” in India-Saudi Arabia relations, as Prime Minister Modi welcomed the Saudi Crown Prince at the Hyderabad House for bilateral discussions.
The SPC, formed in October 2019 during PM Modi’s visit to Riyadh, comprises two committees: the Committee on Political-Security-Social & Cultural Cooperation and the Committee on Economy and Investment. Today’s talks build upon the ministerial meetings held by these committees in September 2022 in Riyadh.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived in Delhi on Saturday, combining his attendance at the G20 Summit with a state visit to India. He received a ceremonial reception at the forecourt of Rashtrapati Bhavan, where President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Modi greeted him.
During the reception, the Crown Prince inspected a combined defense services Guard of Honor and congratulated India for a successful G20 presidency.
The G20 Leaders’ Summit saw India, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union announce a historic agreement to launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor, further strengthening regional economic ties.
Simultaneously, the Indian-Saudi Investment Forum is being held in New Delhi on the sidelines of the official state visit, showcasing the economic potential and opportunities for collaboration between the two nations.
As India and Saudi Arabia continue to deepen their strategic partnership, the world watches with anticipation as this relationship takes on new dimensions in an ever-changing global landscape.
