Jaishankar in Saudi in first visit as Foreign Minister

In June, Saudi Arabia had described Sharma’s comments as “insulting” and had called for “respect for beliefs and religions”. It was among 16 countries, which had objected to the BJP spokesperson’s comments. Sharma was later suspended by the BJP, which also expelled its then Delhi media head Naveen Kumar Jindal for making similar remarks.

Jaishankar’s visit provides an opportunity to reset bilateral ties.

During the visit, he will co-chair the inaugural ministerial meeting of the Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation, under the framework of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, along with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan. This is the apex body for giving strategic direction to India-Saudi Arabia ties.

The India-Saudi strategic partnership is focused on four areas: political issues, security, socio-cultural relations and defence cooperation.

The two ministers will “undertake a comprehensive review” of the bilateral relationship and discuss progress under the four Joint Working Groups of the PSSC Committee — Political & Consular; Legal & Security; Social & Cultural; and, Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation. These groups and senior officials had met over the past few months.

“During the visit, EAM will also meet other Saudi dignitaries, as well as Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council HE Dr Nayef Falah Mubarak Al-Hajjraf. Both sides will review the bilateral relations and discuss ways to enhance them,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

“Both sides will also discuss regional and international issues of mutual interest including their cooperation at the UN, G20 and GCC,” it said.

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Besides, Jaishankar will meet representatives of the 3.5 million Indian expats living and working in the Kingdom.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, popularly called MBS, visited New Delhi in February 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi travelled to Riyadh in October 2019 at the invitation of King Salman, and the Strategic Partnership Council was established.

The External Affairs Ministry said that India-Saudi Arabia relations have strengthened considerably over the past few years, including in political, security, energy, trade, investment, health, food security, cultural and defence fields.

The top leadership of both countries remained in close touch even during the Covid pandemic, its statement said.