NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud reviewed bilateral relationship during a telephonic conversation on Thursday.
In a statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said that the two leaders discussed various topics of mutual interest and common concerns.
The Saudi Press Agency (SPA), an independent authority affiliated with the Ministry of Media, said, “They discussed the excellent relations within the strategic partnership between the two countries, current bilateral cooperation across different fields, ways to strengthen it, and opportunities for further development.”
The two leaders reviewed several issues of bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on various multilateral and global matters of mutual interest.
Prime Minister Modi expressed his gratitude to the crown prince for Saudi Arabia’s valuable support during the evacuation of Indian nationals from Sudan via Jeddah in April this year.
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India evacuated approximately 3,000 Indians from Sudan after infightings broke out between two powerful military leaders. As part of its massive evacuation mission, India established a transit facility in Jeddah to facilitate the safe evacuation of its citizens from the strife-torn region. Under the evacuation mission named ‘Operation Kaveri,’ Indian nationals were transported from Sudan to Jeddah before returning to their homeland.
India and Saudi Arabia share a long history of cordial and friendly relations, reflecting centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties. With around 2.2 million Indian expatriates, the Indian community in Saudi Arabia is the largest expatriate community in the kingdom.
PM Modi also conveyed his best wishes for the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage. In a tweet, he stated, “Spoke to Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince & PM HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussed boosting ties in connectivity, energy, defense, trade & investment, and exchanged views on regional and global issues. Appreciated his support in the safe evacuation of Indians from Sudan and for Hajj.”
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The annual Hajj pilgrimage is another crucial aspect of the Indo-Saudi bilateral relationship. During the crown prince’s visit to New Delhi in February 2019, it was announced that India’s Hajj quota would be increased by 24,975, allowing 200,000 Indians to perform Hajj in August 2019.
India has also digitized the Hajj process by providing the Hajj mobile app, health facility – e-MASIHA, e-luggage pre-tagging, and linking Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) with the digital system, simplifying procedures for pilgrims.
Recently, Ambassador Dr. Suhel Khan, along with officials from the Consulate General of India in Jeddah, visited the Hajj terminal at Jeddah Airport to receive Indian Hajj pilgrims from various states.
During the conversation, crown prince Mohammed bin Salman also expressed his full support for India’s initiatives as part of its ongoing G20 presidency and expressed his anticipation for his visit to India.
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