Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman convened the inaugural Leaders’ Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council in New Delhi on Monday, signifying a momentous step in strengthening bilateral ties. The discussions encompassed various facets of cooperation, including energy security, trade and investment, defense, healthcare, and food security, underscoring the robust partnership between the two nations.

Exploring Bilateral Cooperation:

The talks between the leaders spanned a wide spectrum of key areas. Energy security, trade and investment, defense and security, healthcare, and food security were among the critical topics on the agenda. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi, highlighted the comprehensive nature of these deliberations.

The Saudi Crown Prince’s Visit:

This marked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s second state visit to India since February 2019. Initially arriving in Delhi for the G20 Summit, he extended his stay to engage in bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Modi.

A Productive Dialogue:

Prime Minister Modi expressed his satisfaction with the productive nature of the discussions, emphasizing the substantial potential for cooperation. They explored opportunities in areas such as grid connectivity, renewable energy, food security, semiconductors, and supply chains.

Warm Welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

During his visit, the Saudi Crown Prince received a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, in line with diplomatic traditions for foreign leaders. President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Modi, and other ministers extended their warm greetings.

Saudi Crown Prince’s Remarks:

The Saudi Crown Prince congratulated India on the successful hosting of the G20 Summit and expressed optimism about the future collaboration between the two nations.

“I am very glad to be here in India. A lot of announcements have been made that will benefit G20 countries and the world. We will work together to create a great future for both countries,” he stated.

Hyderabad House Meeting:

Following the welcoming ceremony, the Saudi Crown Prince met with Prime Minister Modi at the iconic Hyderabad House, an emblematic venue for diplomatic engagements.

High-Level Delegation:

Accompanying the Saudi Crown Prince was a high-level delegation comprising ministers and senior officials.

Continued Dialogue at Rashtrapati Bhavan:

Later in the evening, President Droupadi Murmu received the Saudi Crown Prince at Rashtrapati Bhavan, providing a platform for further discussions on mutual interests and regional and international matters that concern both countries.

Economic Cooperation Milestone:

The visit of the Saudi Crown Prince follows a significant milestone in economic cooperation, with bilateral trade reaching a record high of $52.75 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. India and Saudi Arabia hold prominent positions as trading partners, with Riyadh ranking as New Delhi’s fourth-largest trading partner and vice versa.

Railway and Port Project:

In conjunction with the G20 Summit, Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with several countries, including India, launched an extensive railway and port project. This initiative aims to streamline the flow of commerce, energy, and data from India across the Middle East to Europe, further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.

The India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council:

Established during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2019, the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council serves as a mechanism to enhance bilateral ties. It operates through two ministerial committees, focusing on various aspects of cooperation, providing a structured framework for deeper collaboration.

The Leaders’ Meeting of the council, co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince, signifies their commitment to elevate this partnership to new heights, encompassing diverse bilateral concerns and collaborative opportunities.

The visit underscores the flourishing and multifaceted relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, promising a bright future for both nations.

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