New Delhi, September 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in extensive discussions on Monday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, with a primary focus on enhancing bilateral trade and defense relationships. Bin Salman’s visit to India is part of a State visit following the conclusion of the G20 Summit.
Before the talks, a ceremonial welcome was accorded to the Crown Prince at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“I am very pleased to be here in India. I want to congratulate India for the G20 Summit,” Bin Salman remarked to reporters after the ceremonial reception.
The Saudi leader emphasized that the announcements made at the summit would have global benefits. “We will collaborate to create a bright future for both countries,” he stated.
Saudi Arabia holds a significant position as one of India’s key strategic partners in the Middle East. Over the past few years, bilateral relations between the two nations have experienced a marked upward trajectory.
Both sides have been actively working to strengthen their defense and security cooperation. In a historic move, Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia in December 2020, marking the first-ever visit by the head of India’s 1.3 million-strong Army to this crucial Gulf nation. Subsequently, there have been numerous visits by high-ranking military officials from both sides, further solidifying their ties.
