External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud held high-level talks in New Delhi on Wednesday, marking the second meeting of the Political, Security, Social, and Cultural Committee under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. The discussions centered on reinforcing the robust and multifaceted ties between the two nations, including economic, defence, and cultural cooperation.
In his opening remarks at the meeting, the EAM highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, noting the deep economic, social, and cultural ties that have existed for centuries.
“Our two countries of course enjoy a long-standing friendship reflecting centuries-old economic and social-cultural ties. Under the guidance of our leadership, we have witnessed a deepening of our multifaceted bilateral ties across various domains and while we may be time-tested friends, our partnership is premised on progress and focused on the future. Today, I’m glad to host you and your delegation to the second meeting of the committee on political security and social and cultural cooperation under our Strategic Partnership Council,” Jaishankar said.
He also highlighted the importance of enhancing cooperation in culture, tourism, and youth exchanges.
In the defence sector, Jaishankar highlighted the significant progress, including the first-ever joint land forces exercise scheduled for 2024, along with two joint naval exercises. He also added the expansion of defence industry cooperation and regular exchanges in training and capacity building. The ministers also discussed growing security cooperation, with both nations joining forces on counter-terrorism, combating extremism, and addressing terrorism financing and drug trafficking.
Al Saud, in his remarks, emphasized the deep-rooted historical ties between the two nations, adding that the Saudi-India relationship has evolved into a “robust and solid partnership.” He also expressed confidence that both countries’ cooperation would continue to expand in line with their mutual goals of economic development and regional stability.
“The relationship between our countries is built on centuries of trade and cultural exchange, which have laid the foundation for our current strategic partnership,” said Al Saud. He further expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, citing the positive developments from the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince met last year in New Delhi during the latter’s State visit to India. Several MoUs across diverse sectors such as energy cooperation, climate change and investment opportunities were signed between the two countries.
Minister Al Saud said, “The ministerial committee and its subcommittees should draw guidance from our leaders shared conviction in our partnership’s immense value and potential we recognize the importance of sustained coordinated efforts across all areas of cooperation.
He said, “On regional international affairs, we believe our coordination is essential. We will continue to align our positions on issues of shared concern especially as they pertain to international peace, security and economic development we are confident that advancing cooperation serves our mutual interests as well as benefits the region more broadly”
The EAM also expressed his gratitude to his Saudi counterpart for ensuring the welfare and comfort of the Indian diaspora of 2.6 million.
“We have maintained a good tempo of high-level engagements and coordination across the multilateral forum. The Indian Community in Saudi Arabia is 2.6 million strong and I take the opportunity to thank you for ensuring their welfare and for their comfort,” Jaishankar said.
The ministers also discussed regional and international issues, with both sides reiterating their commitment to coordinated efforts on international peace and security, as well as addressing global economic challenges.
Al Saud arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a two-day visit aimed at further cementing bilateral ties.
(Inputs from ANI)