Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held their inaugural Leaders’ Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council in Delhi on Monday, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. The leaders engaged in extensive discussions encompassing various areas of cooperation, including energy security, trade and investment, defence, security, healthcare, and food security.
The meeting laid the groundwork for several key agreements, with a particular focus on energy and agriculture, signifying the commitment of both nations to enhance their economic collaboration. The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to India, which coincided with the G20 Summit, further solidified the burgeoning economic ties between the two countries. In the fiscal year 2022-23, bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $52.75 billion, underscoring the significance of their economic partnership.
The visit also saw the launch of a substantial railway and port project, in collaboration with several countries, including India. This ambitious endeavour aims to streamline the flow of commerce, energy, and data from India across the Middle East to Europe, presenting significant opportunities for economic growth and connectivity.
The Strategic Partnership Council, established in 2019, serves as a pivotal mechanism for enhancing cooperation across diverse domains, including political, security, social, cultural, economic, and investment cooperation. The Leaders’ Meeting, co-chaired by PM Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince, underscores the commitment to elevate this partnership to new heights, fostering deeper collaboration and understanding between the two nations.
The visit also featured ceremonial aspects, including a warm welcome extended to the Saudi Crown Prince at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting the importance of diplomatic ties. Both leaders expressed optimism about the future of their bilateral relations and their shared commitment to creating a prosperous future for both nations.
As India and Saudi Arabia continue to build upon their strong economic partnership and strategic cooperation, this meeting signifies a pivotal moment in their relationship, setting the stage for further collaboration and mutual benefit on regional and international matters of concern to both countries.
