Energy, defence top India’s first strategic talks with Saudi Arabia
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince marked a transformative moment in the longstanding India-Saudi Arabia relationship.
PM Modi with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud
NEW DELHI: A day after curtains came down on the G20 Leaders’ Summit here, a significant chapter in international diplomacy unfolded as Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud engaged in extensive discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, centring around bolstering bilateral trade and defence ties. The two leaders also jointly chaired the inaugural meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
During this pivotal meeting, PM Modi underscored the paramount significance of the India-Saudi Arabia partnership, deeming it “crucial for stability and welfare of the region and the world”. He expressed the commitment to expand and diversify their relations to align with the evolving global landscape, encapsulating the spirit of change and progress.
The meeting between Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince marked a transformative moment in the longstanding India-Saudi Arabia relationship. It signified a “new chapter” in ties, symbolized by a warm welcome extended by PM Modi at Hyderabad House for talks.
In other developments, India and the UK expressed commitment to an early conclusion of the free trade agreement (FTA) between the two.
Addressing a joint press meet with UK Chancellor of Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said both sides intend to expedite the free trade agreement.
“There is definitely some discussion on the FTA, especially the investment aspects, which comes under the finance ministry, and the intention on both the sides to expedite the discussion so that some quick agreement could lead to finally signing,” she said. More on P7
