New Delhi — In a significant move to bolster regional and global stability, India and Saudi Arabia on Monday strengthened their strategic partnership with multiple memorandums of understanding (MoUs).
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud also held crucial talks. The leaders reviewed the bilateral relations at the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council in New Delhi.
Describing Saudi Arabia as one of India’s most important strategic partners, PM Modi said, “Our relationship will get a new direction and energy in today’s meeting.” The strategic partnership aims to increase cooperation in critical areas and was initially announced in 2019.
“As two of the world’s fastest growing economies, our mutual cooperation is important for the peace and stability of the entire region,” Modi added, in footage shown on state broadcasters.
Our relationship will get a new direction and energy in today’s meeting.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Ahead of the talks, the Crown Prince received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. “I am very glad to be here in India. I want to congratulate India for the G-20 Summit,” said the Saudi leader, emphasizing that the announcements made at the summit would benefit the world.
3/ #IndiaSaudiTies
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During the reception, #Saudi Crown Prince emphasized the deep-rooted relationship between #SaudiArabia and #India, stating, "The relationship between us is in our #DNA in Saudi Arabia."@MEAIndia @KSAmofaEN @narendramodi pic.twitter.com/VBCle2mrsi
Focus on defense and security
The meeting also highlighted the strengthening of defense and security partnerships between the two nations. This follows a series of high-ranking military visits, including the first-ever visit by the Chief of Army Staff Gen. M.M. Naravane to Saudi Arabia in December 2020.
At the G20 Leaders’ Summit on Saturday, a historic agreement was announced to launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor. This initiative involves cooperation on connectivity and infrastructure between India, UAE, Saudi Arabia, EU, France, Italy, Germany, and the US.
External affairs minister S Jaishankar and national security advisor Ajit Doval were also present during the talks. Both leaders discussed all aspects of bilateral relations, including political, security, defense, trade, economic, cultural, and people-to-people ties.
The Saudi Crown Prince was accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials. Prior to his meeting with PM Modi, he received a ceremonial reception at Rashtrapati Bhavan and inspected a combined defense services guard of honor.
Speaking to reporters, the Crown Prince said, “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.”
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.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
The talks between the two leaders are expected to provide new energy and direction to the India-Saudi relationship, not just bilaterally but also in the broader regional and global context.
India and Saudi Arabia have historically close and friendly relations with extensive people-to-people contacts. The trade between both countries reached all-time high of US$52.75 billion in FY2022-23.
