During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Saudi Arabia, he and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud engaged in a high-level bilateral dialogue, including the Strategic Partnership Council meeting, as announced by India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan.
The meeting commenced with both leaders condemning the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Crown Prince expressed his condolences and offered Saudi Arabia’s assistance to India in the wake of the tragedy.
“This visit was substantial and forward-looking,” said Khan during a press briefing. He highlighted the warm welcome extended to the Prime Minister, who received a ceremonial reception at the Al Salam Palace in Jeddah, including a 21-gun salute and an escort by Saudi fighter jets upon entering Saudi airspace.
This marked PM Modi’s third official visit to Saudi Arabia and his first to the historic city of Jeddah. His trip followed the 2020 visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India.
In their discussions, the two leaders explored a wide range of bilateral issues such as energy cooperation, defense collaboration, trade, investment, technology, cultural exchange, and the well-being of the 2.7 million-strong Indian diaspora in the kingdom. The Crown Prince expressed deep appreciation for the Indian community’s contributions, noting that “everyone in Saudi Arabia loves Indians.”
One key topic was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, with both leaders agreeing on the importance of expediting progress on the initiative, describing it as beneficial to all stakeholders in the region.
A significant outcome of the visit was the expansion of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. From its current two committees, the Council will now include four, with new additions focused on defense cooperation and tourism & culture.
Additionally, both nations signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering cooperation in space, health, anti-doping initiatives, and postal services. The leaders also committed to establishing two joint oil refinery ventures in India, emphasizing deepening economic ties.
PM Modi also met with members of the Indian community and recognized notable figures, including yoga expert Padmashri Nouf Marwaai. He was also scheduled to meet the Secretary General of the Muslim World League.
Khan underscored the significance of the visit, noting the personal rapport between PM Modi and the Crown Prince and the strong foundation it lays for future India-Saudi collaboration.
