Friendly talks between PM Modi and Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman conclude
11 Mar 2021 11:27:48
New Delhi, Mar 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, on Mar 10. Both leaders reviewed the functioning of the bilateral Strategic Partnership Council established in 2019, and expressed satisfaction about the steady growth in the India-Saudi partnership.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his desire to further expand trade and investment between the two countries, and highlighted the opportunities that the Indian economy offers to Saudi investors. The leaders agreed to continue supporting each other's efforts against the COVID 19 pandemic, in the spirit of special friendship and people-to-people links between India and Saudi Arabia. They also reviewed regional and international developments of mutual interest.
During the telephonic conversation, PM Modi also reiterated his invitation to the Crown Prince to visit India at an early date. India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries old economic and socio-cultural ties.
Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth largest trade partner (after China, USA and Japan) and a major source of energy as India imports around 18 per cent of its crude oil requirement and 30 per cent of its LPG requirement from the Kingdom. The import of crude oil by India forms a major component of bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia. The telephonic conversation between the two speaks effectively of the significance both the countries possess in the bilateral relation they share.