Prime Minister Modi skipped a formal dinner hosted by Saudi Arabia and decided to lay off staff visits, according to government sources. He was scheduled to return Wednesday night. However, he arrived in India early Wednesday morning after a terrorist attack in Pahargam on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Modi invited Mohammed bin Salman to visit India for the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Committee. The two leaders reviewed progress in their work within the SPC framework and discussed ways to strengthen cooperation.
The two leaders’ views on regional and global issues of common interests and ongoing Indian Sudya Arab cooperation under the Central Eastern European Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Mohammed bin Salman condemned the terrorist attacks in Jamu and Pahalgam in Kashmir and expressed condolences to innocent lives killed in the attack. Prime Minister Modi and Saudi Arabia’s crown prince vowed to fight terrorism teeth and nails.
Since the last meeting in New Delhi in September 2023, the two leaders have reviewed the progress of the Council. Leaders noted that the strengthening of bilateral participation and the large number of advanced visits to various departments that build trust and mutual understanding between departments.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said in a post about X: “pm @narendramodi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held extensive talks and co-chaired the Second India-Sudi Arabian Commission (SPC) at Royal Royal Royal Royal Royal Royal Royal Prince Prance Prince Prary prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly prly
“Discussions focused on exploring avenues across domains, including defence, trade, investment, energy and people-to-people ties, to further deepen the multi-faceted India-Saudi Arabia bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest & the ongoing India-Saudi Arabia cooperation under the IMEEC initiative. The two leaders reviewed the progress of the work under the SPC framework & discussed ways to strengthen the strategic partnership. They join the SPC expansion in defense cooperation and tourism and cultural cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Muslim World Alliance, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, called on PM Modi in Jeddah on Tuesday. Al-Issa strongly condemned the “terrible terrorist attacks” in Jamu and Kashmir and expressed her deepest condolences for the death of innocent lives.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi appreciated the role of the Muslim World Alliance in promoting the value of tolerance, promoting moderation, and promoting social cohesion and harmony.
He praised the Muslim World Alliance for its position on terrorism, violence and extremism. Foreign Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and other officials attended the meeting during the meeting.
“The Prime Minister met with the Secretary-General in New Delhi in July 2023. He appreciated the role of the Muslim World Alliance in promoting tolerance values, advocating moderation and promoting social cohesion and harmony,” the MEA said in a statement.
“Recalling the ancient Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam in India [the World is one Family]The Prime Minister pointed out that India, as a multicultural, multilingual, multiracial and multireligious society, celebrates the unity of diversity. India’s incredible diversity is a valuable force that empowers its vibrant society and polity. He praised the Muslim World Alliance for its firm stance against extremism, terrorism and violence. ”
Indian Ambassador to India Suhel Ajaz Khan said PM Modi received special honors after arriving in Jeddah, including a tribute to 21 guns. He said Prime Minister Modi was escorted by a Saudi Arabian fighter when he entered Jeddah.
Speaking about the special news briefing on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, Khan said: “As you know, the Prime Minister has a very warm, intimate and personal relationship with his Royal Highness Crown Prince, and during this visit, the warmth and intimate friendship are very visible in this visit. We are also grateful for his at jed-gun and you ny you n of an y you n of a Honival of the Honival of you.
“The aircraft of the Prime Minister was escorted by a Saudi fighter jet when it entered the Jeddah airspace. These elements exemplify the importance that Saudi Arabia attaches to its relationships with India. The Saudi official delegation compiled several senior ministers, including the Minister of Energy, Minister of Sports, Interior, National Guards, Foreign Affairs, Commerce, Investment, Department Governor of Mecca and also the government of the Public Investment fund,” he added.
He talked about other involvement in PM Modi, including meetings with yoga expert Padmashri Nouf Marwaii and interactions with members of Indian diaspora. He noted that Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia after his visit in 2016 and before 2009. He said the visit of PM Modi after Mohammed Bin Salman visited India in September 2020.
