PM Modi reviews trade ties in meeting with Saudi crown prince MBS

PM Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman on Monday reviewed the bilateral relations at the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. (X/@narendramodi)

PM Modi said the strategic ties between India and Saudi Arabia is crucial for regional and global stability and welfare. Describing Saudi Arabia as one of India's most important strategic partners, Modi said both sides are adding new dimension to the ties in tune with changing times. (Express photo by Anil Sharma)

Following the meeting, PM Modi took to X and said: "His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and I had very productive talks. We reviewed our trade ties and are confident that the commercial linkages between our nations will grow even further in the times to come. The scope for cooperation in grid connectivity, renewable energy, food security, semiconductors and supply chains is immense." (Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

The India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council was announced in 2019 with an aim to further increase cooperation in critical areas. (Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

Bin Salman is currently on a State visit to India following end of the G20 Summit. (Express photo by Anil Sharma)

Ahead of the talks, the Crown Prince was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the forecourt of the Rashtrapati Bhavan. (PTI Photo)

"I am very glad to be here in India. I want to congratulate India for the G20 Summit," Bin Salman told reporters after the ceremonial welcome. (Express photo by Anil Sharma)

Saudi Arabia is one of India's key strategic partners in the Middle-East. (X/@narendramodi)

The overall relations between the two countries have witnessed a significant upward trajectory in the last few years. (Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

The two sides have also been focusing on strengthening their defence and security partnership. The then Chief of Army Staff Gen MM Naravane visited Saudi Arabia in December 2020. (Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

Since then, there have been series of visits of high-ranking military officials between the two sides. (Express photo by Prem Nath Pandey)

At the G20 Leaders’ Summit, India, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and the European Union announced a historic agreement to launch a mega India-Middle East-Europe shipping and railway connectivity corridor. (Reuters photo)