PM Modi speaks to Saudi Crown Prince, discusses strategic partnership, regional stability

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed the future of the strategic partnership between the two countries besides the situation in West Asia amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.Both the leaders also shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence, the loss of civilian lives and the situation in West Asia. The leaders also reviewed progress in the bilateral Strategic Partnership in follow-up to the State visit of the Crown Prince to India in September 2023 and discussed the forward-looking bilateral partnership agenda for the future, a PMO statement said on Tuesday.PM Modi reiterated India's long-standing and principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue and called for continued humanitarian aid for the affected population, it said.PM Modi said on X, "Held a good conversation with my Brother HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the future of Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia." "We exchanged views on the West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives," he said on Tuesday.The Prime Minister also said they agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region and emphasised the need for maintaining maritime security and the freedom of navigation.Earlier this year, Salman visited India for the G20 summit in New Delhi. During his visit, he also held bilateral talks with PM Modi and President Droupadi Murmu.The two leaders also held the first leaders' meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. After the meeting, PM Modi said that the economic corridor between India, West Asia and Europe will provide economic growth and digital connectivity between these regions. He noted that the cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia in the economic sector is vital for the peace and stability of the entire region.President Droupadi Murmu also hosted a banquet in honour of the Saudi Crown Prince and noted that the two nations shared cultural experiences, economic synergies and a common commitment towards a peaceful and sustainable world.With inputs from agencies.