PM Modi Emphasizes India’s Historic Bonds as He Visits Saudi Arabia
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Synopsis
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the significance of India's historic ties with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing their strategic partnership and mutual benefits in various sectors. This visit marks his third trip to the Kingdom, underlining the importance of bilateral relations and cooperation in multiple domains.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi's visit underscores India's historic and strategic ties with Saudi Arabia.
- The trip aims to deepen bilateral relations in defense, trade, and investment.
- First visit to Jeddah as part of a two-day State visit.
- Meeting the Indian community to strengthen cultural ties.
- Focus on regional peace and security during discussions.
New Delhi, April 22 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi has articulated that India’s historic ties with Saudi Arabia have gained strategic depth and momentum in recent years, resulting in a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership.
In his departure statement, PM Modi made these remarks as he set off for a significant two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, invited by Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Prior to his departure, he shared on his X handle, "Heading to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where I will be engaging in various meetings and activities. India values our historic relations with Saudi Arabia. Our bilateral ties have gained substantial momentum over the last decade. I am eager to participate in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and to connect with the Indian community there."
He remarked that India truly values its historic relations with Saudi Arabia, which have gained momentum, leading to a substantive partnership across various sectors, including defence and trade.
"India deeply cherishes its long-standing and historic connections with Saudi Arabia, which have gained strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Together, we have cultivated a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership spanning defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties," stated PM Modi in a government-issued statement.
He emphasized that both nations share common interests and a commitment to fostering regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability.
This marks PM Modi's third visit to the Kingdom in the last decade, but his inaugural visit to Jeddah.
He will take part in the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council.
"This will be my third trip to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and my first visit to the historic city of Jeddah. I look forward to engaging in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and building on the highly successful State visit of my brother, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to India in 2023," expressed PM Modi.
In addition to the bilateral discussions, PM Modi will also meet with the Indian diaspora.
"I am eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia, which continues to serve as a living bridge between our nations and makes remarkable contributions to strengthening our cultural and human ties," the statement noted.
PM Modi's previous visits to the Kingdom occurred in 2016 and 2019. His current visit follows the State Visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, to New Delhi in September 2023, where he attended the G20 Summit and co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that India and Saudi Arabia maintain close and friendly ties, underpinned by a lengthy history of socio-cultural and trade interactions.
The Prime Minister's visit underscores the significance India places on its bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. "It will provide an opportunity to further deepen and fortify our multi-faceted partnership and to exchange views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest," noted the MEA.
