PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince strengthen ties: connectivity and defense in spotlight
- In Reports
- 11:20 AM, Jun 09, 2023
- Myind Staff
In a significant development, the top leaders of India and Saudi Arabia engaged in their first contact since China brokered a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran. This phone conversation between the leaders of the two nations touched upon various bilateral cooperation matters and also encompassed discussions on multilateral and global issues of shared interest, according to a readout from the external affairs ministry.
During the conversation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reviewed a range of key areas for collaboration, including connectivity, energy, defense, trade, and investment. They also exchanged viewpoints on regional and global matters. Prime Minister Modi expressed his appreciation for the Crown Prince's assistance in the safe evacuation of Indians from Sudan and for their support during the Haj pilgrimage.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly known as MBS, for Saudi Arabia's exceptional support during the evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan via Jeddah in April. The Prime Minister also extended his best wishes for the upcoming Haj pilgrimage.
In response, the Saudi Crown Prince affirmed his complete support for India's initiatives as part of its ongoing presidency of the G20 and expressed his anticipation for visiting India during the G20 Summit scheduled for September. Both leaders agreed to maintain regular communication, as stated in the readout.
Over the past few years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a vital partner for India in the West Asian region, particularly in the fields of defense and energy. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is home to a substantial expatriate community of 2.6 million Indians, constituting one of the largest concentrations of Indian nationals in the region.
The conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman holds strategic significance, marking an important milestone in the bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. The leaders' engagement serves as a platform to further strengthen ties, explore avenues of cooperation, and deepen mutual understanding of regional and global challenges.
Image source: Hindustan Times
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