This is Prince Salman’s second State visit to India.
They discussed various issues, including defence, energy security, and trade and investment.
New Delhi: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, is on a state visit to India after the G20 conference in Delhi. During this visit, he engaged in a productive bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Hyderabad House in Delhi.
Following their discussions, the Crown Prince expressed his sentiments, stating, “Throughout the extensive history of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship, we have encountered no disagreements. Today, we are diligently working towards future opportunities and strengthening our ties. I extend my sincere appreciation to India for its outstanding management of the G20 summit and offer my heartfelt congratulations on the numerous initiatives accomplished. Of particular significance is the economic corridor that will connect the Middle East, India, and Europe. It is imperative that we dedicate ourselves to its construction and development.”
PM @narendramodi and Crown Prince & Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud witness exchange of MoUs at Hyderabad House in Delhi 🇮🇳-🇸🇦@PMOIndia @MEAIndia pic.twitter.com/XQ2lKOFAP1
— PIB India (@PIB_India) September 11, 2023
The Crown Prince’s visit to New Delhi spans three days, with his meeting with Prime Minister Modi taking place on Monday immediately following the conclusion of the G20 summit, which concluded on Sunday.
Notably, this is the second state visit by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, with his previous visit dating back to February 2019.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval were also part of the meeting. PM Modi and MBS are expected to co-chair the First Leaders’ Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. The Two leaders will review the progress made under the two ministerial committees of the Strategic Partnership Council- the committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Communication and committee on Economy and Investments Cooperation, according to the MEA release.
India and Saudi Arabia share a robust strategic partnership within the Middle East, marking a remarkable ascent in their bilateral relations over recent years.
Both nations have prioritized the enhancement of their defense and security cooperation.
In a historic move, General M.M. Naravane, the former Chief of Army Staff commanding a force of 1.3 million, embarked on an unprecedented visit to Saudi Arabia in December 2020. This visit marked a significant milestone as the highest-ranking Indian military leader to visit this crucial Gulf nation. Subsequently, a series of high-level military exchanges between the two countries followed suit, further solidifying their defense ties.