PM Modi: India and Saudi Arabia are bringing a new dimension to their relations in tune with changing times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Monday that the India-Saudi Arabia alliance is critical for the regions and the world's stability and well-being.

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At the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council meeting, Prime Minister Modi stated, that India and Saudi Arabia are bringing a new dimension to their relations in tune with changing times.

According to PM Modi, Saudi Arabia is one of India's most crucial strategic partners.

PM Modi appreciated Saudi Crown Prince for his contribution in G20 Summit

We have selected a number of initiatives to take our close collaboration to the next level. Saudi Arabia is vital to India. I congratulate His Royal Highness once more for his role in the success of the G20 Summit, said PM Modi during a visit at Hyderabad House with Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Crown Prince.

The Saudi Crown Prince came to Delhi on Friday for a three-day state visit and continued beyond the G20 Summit.

Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, stated, "There has never been any disagreement in the history of this (India-Saudi Arabia) relationship, but there is cooperation to build our country's future and create opportunities." We are currently working on future opportunities.

Saudi Crown Prince congratulated for the incredible management of G20 summit

He congratulated on the commendable management of the G20 summit and the goals achieved during the course. He appreciated for the Economic Corridor linking the Middle East, India, and Europe, which requires us to work diligently to make a reality

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Twitter, "Transforming India-Saudi Arabia ties!" The Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and PM Modi met separately. The two leaders discussed how to maximise the potential of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India while also examining various facets of their bilateral relations.

Bilateral cooperation between two countries on different agendas

MEA tweeted that the agenda includes a wide range of bilateral cooperation topics such as energy security, trade and investment, military and security, healthcare, food security, culture, and community welfare problems, among others.

Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, the crown prince and prime minister of Saudi Arabia, held a formal reception earlier that day at Rashtrapati Bhavan in the nation's capital. During the occasion, he also spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, President Droupadi Murmu, and other ministers.

The Saudi Arabian PM will meet President Droupadi Murmu at the Rashtrapati Bhawan at 6:30 p.m. today. ANI reported that he will thereafter leave New Delhi at roughly 8.30 p.m.

One of India's key Middle Eastern partners, Saudi Arabia plays a significant role in the region. The bilateral ties between these two countries have steadily and noticeably improved in recent years.

The bilateral relations were significantly boosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's trips to Saudi Arabia, first in 2016 and then again in 2019, as well as by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman's trip to India in the same year.

Focus of Defence and Security cooperation 

Increasing their defence and security cooperation has been a priority for both nations. The first-ever trip to Saudi Arabia by the commander of the 1.3 million-strong Indian Army was undertaken in December 2020 by General MM Naravane, who was serving as the Chief of Army Staff at the time. Senior military leaders from both sides have since visited numerous times.