Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud discussed the recent terrorist attack in India during their bilateral discussions and Strategic Partnership Council meeting in Jeddah. India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, announced this in a press briefing.

Condemnation and Support

The meeting between the two leaders began with a reference to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, and both leaders condemned the attack. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud conveyed his condolences to India and offered assistance. Khan described the meeting between the two leaders as “fruitful, substantial, and forward-looking.”

Bilateral Discussions and Strategic Partnership

Khan highlighted the extensive schedule of engagements during PM Modi’s visit, including a ceremonial welcome at the Royal Palace, detailed bilateral discussions, and a meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. The two leaders also held an informal meeting following the formal engagements.

During the bilateral discussions, PM Modi and the Crown Prince discussed a range of issues, including energy partnerships, defence, trade, investments, technology, culture, and people-to-people ties. They also reviewed progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, agreeing to expedite its development.

Indian Diaspora and Labour Cooperation

PM Modi thanked the Crown Prince for taking care of the welfare of the 2.7 million Indian diaspora members living in Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince expressed his appreciation for the contributions of the Indian diaspora and emphasized the importance of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia, particularly in light of upcoming development projects.

Strategic Partnership Council

PM Modi and the Crown Prince co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, reviewing the work of various committees and signing the minutes of the council.

Other Engagements and Honours

PM Modi also met with the Indian community in Jeddah and received yoga expert Padmashri Nouf Marwaii. He is also scheduled to meet with the Secretary General of the Muslim World League.

Upon his arrival in Jeddah, PM Modi was accorded special honours, including a 21-gun salute and an escort by a Saudi fighter jet.

Expansion of Strategic Partnership and MoUs

The two leaders agreed to expand the scope of the Strategic Partnership Council, adding two new committees focused on defence cooperation and tourism and culture. They also welcomed the decision to collaborate on establishing two oil refineries as a joint venture in India.

Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit:

A space agreement between the Saudi Space Agency and the Department of Space of India.
A health MoU between the Saudi Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and its Indian counterpart.
An MoU between the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee and the National Anti-Doping Agency of India.
An agreement between the Saudi Post Corporation and India’s Department.

The visit highlights the strong and growing relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, with both countries committed to strengthening their strategic partnership across various sectors.