In recent news, it has been reported that India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has emphasized Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role as one of India’s most critical strategic partners. To gain a more in-depth understanding of this development, we invite you to delve into the complete article. Stay tuned for comprehensive insights and the latest updates.
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia
Recent developments have witnessed India and Saudi Arabia coming together to establish a joint task force for expediting the West Coast refinery project. This noteworthy step comes just two days after the launch of the India-Middle East Economic Corridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a state visit by Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, underscored the profound significance of Saudi Arabia as one of India’s paramount strategic allies. It is worth noting that this state visit assumes particular importance, arriving several months after Saudi Arabia’s efforts to reconcile with Iran—a development closely observed by China.
PM Modi articulated that Saudi Arabia stands as one of India’s most crucial strategic partners, highlighting that both nations rank among the world’s fastest-growing economies. Their partnership, he emphasized, holds the key to regional stability. Modi further underscored their historic step in establishing an economic corridor that links India, West Asia, and Europe. Beyond strengthening bilateral ties, this corridor promises to stimulate economic growth, energize the energy sector, and foster digitization. Notably, in October 2019, Mr. Modi and Prince Bin Salman jointly chaired the inaugural meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. The Crown Prince’s state visit holds added significance as it follows Saudi Arabia’s recent accession to BRICS during the Johannesburg summit. The discussions during the visit encompassed areas of potential collaboration, including defense, energy, education, technology, healthcare, tourism, and more.
Among the eight agreements sealed during this visit, notable ones include an agreement between India’s Central Vigilance Commission and Saudi Arabia’s Anti Corruption Authority, as well as an agreement between Indian and Saudi banks. Furthermore, the National Institute of Technology of India and the Saline Water Conversion Corporation of Saudi Arabia inked an agreement during this visit. Following their meeting at Hyderabad House, Prince Bin Salman paid a courtesy call on President Droupadi Murmu and attended a banquet dinner held in his honor.
