Commerce Minister of India Piyush Goyal embarked on a comprehensive diplomatic mission in Riyadh on Wednesday, marking significant strides in Indo-Saudi relations through a series of high-level meetings and cultural engagements.
The day commenced with Minister Goyal’s participation in a panel discussion at the Future Investment Summit, followed by the inauguration of ‘Lulu Wali Diwali’ at Lulu Hypermarket in Riyadh, highlighting the growing cultural bonds between the two nations.
In a series business engagements, Minister Goyal met with William E. Ford, Chairman and CEO of General Atlantic, to explore collaborations in India’s healthcare sector, particularly in consumer-focused health enterprises. The discussions also covered potential expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) across various sectors in India.
A subsequent meeting with Schneider Electric CEO Peter Herweck focused on leveraging India’s talent pool for sustainable energy solutions. The global energy management and digital automation company discussed plans to enhance its presence in India through high-tech, energy-efficient solutions.
The ministerial agenda includes a crucial meeting of the Strategic Partnerships Council, where the Economy and Investment Pillar meeting will be co-chaired with the Saudi Energy Minister. Bilateral discussions are scheduled with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Bandar Al Khorayef, and the Minister of Investment, Khalid Al-Falih.
The day’s program will culminate with community interactions and the closing ceremony of Pravasi Parichay, reinforcing the cultural and diplomatic ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
This comprehensive engagement underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia across economic, cultural, and technological domains.
By – Vinod Kumar (Dubai)