Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today, and the two leaders reviewed trade relations, expressing confidence in enhancing economic ties between the two countries. Modi stated that "the scope of cooperation is vast in areas such as network connectivity, renewable energy, food security, semiconductors, and supply chains."
During a speech at the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council, bin Salman emphasized the historical relations between the two nations and the bilateral cooperation for the benefit of both peoples. The Saudi Crown Prince affirmed the commitment to work towards the future and create opportunities across all sectors, highlighting the strategic agreement linking India to the Middle East and Europe, which was signed during the G20 summit in New Delhi.
The two parties signed a record of the Strategic Partnership Council between the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Government of the Republic of India.
The Crown Prince also met with the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, and held a meeting at the presidential palace in New Delhi. A dinner was held in honor of the guests, with Murmu welcoming the deep bilateral relations.
Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih noted that the Kingdom will consider opening an office for the sovereign wealth fund in the global technology financial center "GIFT City" in Gujarat, western India. Al-Falih added, following a request from Indian Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal for Saudi Arabia to open an office in the city, "I support your proposal and commit today to opening an office." The city is a financial services hub in India and is a vital project for the Prime Minister aimed at competing with financial service centers in Dubai and Hong Kong. Goyal also mentioned that he would propose his ministry establish an investment promotion office in Riyadh.
