NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday hailed Saudi Arabia and described the Kingdom as “a trusted friend, strategic ally and one of the most valued partners for India."
PM Modi also said that the partnership between India and Saudi Arabia has "limitless potential,” Modi said in an exclusive interview with Arab News ahead of his visit to the Kingdom.
PM Modi is all set to begin a landmark two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. It is notably, his third visit to the Kingdom since 2016.
In the interview, he also praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, calling him “a strong advocate of our bilateral ties” and a visionary who has inspired global admiration through the reforms under Vision 2030 .
“Every time I have met him, His Royal Highness has left a deep impression on me. His insights, his forward-thinking vision, and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable,” he said.
On being asked about how he assess the progress made in the strengthening of bilateral relations since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019, PM Modi said that the Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most valued partners, a trusted friend and a strategic ally.
" I take great pride in our relations with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most valued partners — a maritime neighbor, a trusted friend and a strategic ally. Our connection is not new. It is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries. From ideas to trade, there has been a constant flow between our two great nations," PM Modi said in an interview.
PM Modi said that the relations between India and Saudi have been on an upward trajectory since 2014 and further added that in a world full of uncertainties, the bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability.
PM Modi also talked about the IMEEC initiative which was announced in September 2023 in New Delhi. He said that the corridor will define the future of connectivity in all forms for centuries to come. It will become the key catalyst of commerce, connectivity and growth in the entire region. The corridor will enhance connectivity in all its forms, be it physical or digital.
"It will facilitate development of resilient and dependable supply chains, increase trade accessibility and improve trade facilitation. The corridor will increase efficiencies, reduce costs, enhance economic unity, generate jobs and lower greenhouse gas emission, resulting in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East," the Prime Minister said.
"Both India and Saudi Arabia have a key role to play in the success of this corridor. We are committed to working with our Saudi partners to realize the vision of connectivity, including multi-modal logistic connectivity, data connectivity and electrical grid connectivity. We are working on clean and green hydrogen and related supply chains under this initiative," he added.
PM Modi also said that the partnership between India and Saudi Arabia has "limitless potential,” Modi said in an exclusive interview with Arab News ahead of his visit to the Kingdom.
PM Modi is all set to begin a landmark two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. It is notably, his third visit to the Kingdom since 2016.
In the interview, he also praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, calling him “a strong advocate of our bilateral ties” and a visionary who has inspired global admiration through the reforms under Vision 2030 .
“Every time I have met him, His Royal Highness has left a deep impression on me. His insights, his forward-thinking vision, and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable,” he said.
On being asked about how he assess the progress made in the strengthening of bilateral relations since the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019, PM Modi said that the Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most valued partners, a trusted friend and a strategic ally.
" I take great pride in our relations with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most valued partners — a maritime neighbor, a trusted friend and a strategic ally. Our connection is not new. It is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries. From ideas to trade, there has been a constant flow between our two great nations," PM Modi said in an interview.
PM Modi said that the relations between India and Saudi have been on an upward trajectory since 2014 and further added that in a world full of uncertainties, the bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability.
PM Modi also talked about the IMEEC initiative which was announced in September 2023 in New Delhi. He said that the corridor will define the future of connectivity in all forms for centuries to come. It will become the key catalyst of commerce, connectivity and growth in the entire region. The corridor will enhance connectivity in all its forms, be it physical or digital.
"It will facilitate development of resilient and dependable supply chains, increase trade accessibility and improve trade facilitation. The corridor will increase efficiencies, reduce costs, enhance economic unity, generate jobs and lower greenhouse gas emission, resulting in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East," the Prime Minister said.
"Both India and Saudi Arabia have a key role to play in the success of this corridor. We are committed to working with our Saudi partners to realize the vision of connectivity, including multi-modal logistic connectivity, data connectivity and electrical grid connectivity. We are working on clean and green hydrogen and related supply chains under this initiative," he added.
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