Saudi Arabia and India Welcome Expansion of Strategic Partnership Council and Mutual Coordination in International Organizations and Forums
In a joint statement issued at the end of the visit of the Prime Minister of India to the Kingdom, Saudi Arabia and India welcomed the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council to include four ministerial committees. This reflects the deepening of the strategic partnership between the two countries by adding a ministerial committee for defense cooperation and a ministerial committee for cooperation in tourism and culture.
The two countries also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination in international organizations and forums, including the G20 and the IMF and World Bank, to support efforts to address the challenges facing the global economy.
During the visit, the Prime Minister of India visited the Kingdom at the invitation of the Crown Prince, where they held official talks and reviewed the strong bilateral friendship between Saudi Arabia and India, highlighting the close ties between their friendly peoples.
They agreed that the strong foundation of the bilateral relationship could be further enhanced through strategic partnerships covering various areas including defense, security, energy, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, culture, health, education, and people-to-people connections.
They exchanged views on regional and international issues of common interest, praising the high-level visits and mutual trust between the two sides.
In conclusion, the leaders signed the minutes of the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council, expressing satisfaction with the progress made since their previous meeting in September 2023. They welcomed the expansion of the council to include four ministerial committees, reflecting a deeper strategic partnership between the two countries, by adding a ministerial committee for defense cooperation and a ministerial committee for cooperation in tourism and culture.
They expressed their appreciation for the intensive high-level mutual visits from various ministries, which strengthened mutual trust and understanding between the two sides.
Moreover, they signed agreements and memorandums of understanding on various areas of cooperation, including space activities, health, postal services, and anti-doping efforts.
The leaders also emphasized the importance of cooperation in areas such as technology, cybersecurity, and semiconductor along with increased shipping routes between the two countries.
They also concurred on the necessity of continued support for international and regional efforts toward a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen, and commended each other on their humanitarian efforts in the country.
Overall, the visit highlighted the shared commitment of Saudi Arabia and India to enhancing their strategic partnership across various sectors and promoting mutual prosperity and cooperation.
