Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday, with two leaders holding extensive bilateral talks. Following a few hours of meetings between the two leaders, four important agreements were signed. Also, Prime Minister Modi, who was supposed to attend a state dinner and address the Indian community, was unable to do so as to shorten his visit to the terrorist attacks in Kashmir.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia was strategically important. Both countries are working to take their relationship to a whole new level. New Delhi and Riyadh are already strategic partners and key defence partners in the region. At the meeting on Tuesday, the two agreed to establish two new ministerial committees, including one on defense, and to cooperate in establishing two refineries in India.
Even before Prime Minister Modi landed in Jeddah early on Monday, his aircraft – Air India One – was escorted by several Saudi military F-15 fighters, with an iconic gesture of respect given to only the nearest strategic allies. The Saudi Air Force gesture also highlights the constant and deep defence cooperation between the two countries.
When he arrived, the Prime Minister was given a 21 gun salute when members of the Indian community sang it.”Saare Jahan se Achha“Later that day, Prime Minister Modi received a ceremonial reception at Al Salam Palace (Palace of Peace), where he was received by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Modi, who called Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman “my brother” and became the first Indian prime minister in over 40 years to visit Jeddah, said, “We have landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.”
In an interview with Arab News, Prime Minister Modi called Saudi Arabia “a trustworthy friend, strategic alliance and one of India’s most valuable partners,” adding that the India-Saudi partnership has “unlimited possibilities and possibilities.”
“We consider Saudi Arabia to be a force of positivity and stability in the region. Maritime neighbours India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in protecting the peace and stability in the region,” he added.
Later, Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Arabian Crown Prince council council council, established during Prime Minister Modi’s 2019 visit, which aimed to strengthen bilateral and strategic ties between the two countries.
“The Council has reviewed the work of various committees, subcommittees and working groups under the SPC, covering political, defense, security, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, culture and people-to-people relationships.”
Both sides also signed four important agreements in the areas of defense and space, education, health and communication. Both sides also agreed to cooperate in establishing two refineries in India.
“Based on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest US$100 billion in multiple sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and health, the joint high-level task force on investment is to rapidly promote such statements of investment.
The bilateral talks also investigated investment opportunities in India and strengthened economic and business relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Modi also reportedly discussed the Hajj pilgrimage and called for a higher quota for Indian pilgrims.
At the start of the meeting, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammadbin Salman expressed his distress over the terrorist attacks in Kashmir, saying that Saudi Arabia is standing in India and will expand the support needed during this period of grief.
In addition to the Strategic Council meeting and bilateral talks, Prime Minister Modi was to visit the factory and interact with Indian workers, which has been cancelled along with a diaspora event scheduled for tomorrow.
The Prime Minister will depart straight for the airport after a bilateral meeting with the Crown Prince and arrive in New Delhi early on Wednesday morning. Earlier in the day he spoke with the Minister of Home Affairs Amit Shah to fill the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister called for a top-level meeting on terrorist attacks upon his arrival.
