Deepening of Ties and Cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia : Signing of Agreements

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to cooperate fu rther to fight against terrorism. In his press statement after talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in New Delhi, Mr. Modi said Pulwama terror attack shows that terrorism is a big threat.

He said Saudi Arabia is one of the most crucial strategic partners of India. The Prime Minister said India and Saudi Arabia will further increase their cooperation in the defence sector and improve their economic ties.

The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia said both countries can collaborate in several areas including culture and agriculture. Earlier, India and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements in various areas including tourism and housing.

The Crown Prince was accorded ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhavan this morning.

Speaking to the media, the Crown Prince said that he wants the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia to be maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. He also expressed confidence that the leadership of the two countries can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj also called on Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. They discussed ways to add momentum to the relationship in various fields including trade, investment, defence, security, and regional cooperation.

The Crown Prince will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind this evening.

The Crown Prince, who is also the Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and leading Saudi businessmen.

In recent years, there has been significant progress in bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest. The bilateral trade was 27.48 billion dollars during the last financial year 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia, India’s 4th largest trading partner.

Saudi Arabia contributes significantly to India’s energy security needs by supplying about 20 per cent of crude oil requirements to India.