Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised Saudi Arabia as an "embankment of positivity and stability" in a tumultuous region, highlighting the strategic significance of Indo-Saudi relations ahead of his two-day visit to the Kingdom.
PM Modi made the comment during an interview with Arab News: "We think of Saudi Arabia as a source of stability and positivity in the region. With India being the maritime neighbor and Saudi Arabia's natural interest, both India and Saudi Arabia want to keep the region safe and stable.
Modi, who will be coming to Jeddah on Tuesday for his third trip to Saudi Arabia since 2016, termed the Kingdom a "trusted friend and strategic ally" whose relations with India have blossomed, particularly after the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019.
Of course, our alliance has infinite possibilities. In a world of uncertainties, our relationship is a rock of stability. I am very proud of our relationships with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of India's most prized partners—a maritime neighbour, a close friend and a strategic partner," the Prime Minister said.
He added that the defence cooperation between the two nations had strengthened considerably, showing deep confidence and a common commitment to regional security.
"It is also a reflection of our common commitment to regional stability, and our shared determination to counter the changing challenges in our broader neighbourhood," he said, responding to questions regarding combined military exercises and defence collaboration.
Emphasizing counterterrorism and cyber cooperation, PM Modi said, "We have made consistent progress in security cooperation. This covers areas like counterterrorism, counter-extremism, dismantling terror finance and counter-narcotics. We are also opening new avenues of cooperation in the area of cybersecurity, realizing its increasing significance in the globalized world today."
Speaking about defence production, he referred to India's self-sufficiency and increased status as a global supplier.
"There is a powerful military-industrial base with capabilities of producing quality ammunition, small arms, tanks, armored carriers. For the air force, we are producing drones, advanced light helicopters and fighter aircraft. For the navy, we can produce patrol boats, submarines, and even aircraft carriers. We are not catering to our own requirements only.". India has also become a significant source of defence hardware for over 100 nations globally," Modi said.
He was pleased with the capacity of India to assist Saudi defence requirements and urged increased cooperation between private industries from both nations.
"We would appreciate Saudi investment in the defence manufacturing industry in India that has been opened for private investment," he said.
Modi also praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman as "a staunch supporter of our bilateral relations" and a visionary leader whose groundbreaking Vision 2030 has won global admiration.
"Each time I have had the opportunity to meet him, His Royal Highness has made a profound impact on me. His ideas, his vision for the future, and his zeal for achieving the dreams of his people are really outstanding," he said.
Looking at economic cooperation, PM Modi highlighted that India-Saudi trade continued to be strong even amidst global headwinds. He named energy, agriculture, and fertilisers as major sectors and urged increased cooperation in new areas like green hydrogen and advanced technology.
"Indian companies have also had a strong presence in different sectors in Saudi Arabia," he added.
Congratulating the Kingdom on obtaining the rights to host World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034, Modi stated that both achievements are a matter of "immense pride."
Referring to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), inaugurated during the G20 Summit in September 2023, he referred to the effort as "a key catalyst of commerce, connectivity and growth in the entire region."
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