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Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said terrorism and extremism are India and Saudi Arabia’s common concerns, in a joint statement issued on his first delegation visit to India on Wednesday, 20 February.
The crown prince has also extended a helping hand to India by offering cooperation on sharing intelligence inputs.
“Extremism and terrorism are our common concerns. We would like to tell our friend India that we will cooperate on all fronts, be it intelligence sharing. We'll work with everyone to ensure a brighter future for our upcoming generations,” the Saudi crown prince said in a joint statement issued on his visit to India.
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‘Increase Pressure on Nations Supporting Terrorism’
PM Modi, who issued India’s statement after delegation talks between both the countries, said that Saudi Arabia and India have agreed on the need to increase pressure on countries which support terrorism.
PM Modi spoke on the Pulwama terror attack – orchestrated by Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammed – that killed many CRPF personnel on 14 February. He said the barbaric attack was a symbol of the anti-humanitarian threat the world is facing.
Trade, Defence & Security Dominate Agenda
Saudi Arabia and India held talks on key areas of mutual interest areas including trade and investment, energy, defence and security, nuclear and space, civil aviation, renewables, counter-terrorism, community welfare and regional challenges, said Raveesh Kumar, official spokesperson of Ministry of External Affairs.
“Time has come to transform our energy cooperation into strategic partnership. We held extensive and successful talks, vowed to take our economic ties to new level,” PM Modi said after delegation talks with the Saudi crown prince.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also said that he expects investment opportunities in India to exceed $100 billion.
The Saudi crown prince arrived in the National Capital on Tuesday for a two-day visit. He was received by PM Modi and MoS, Ministry of External Affairs General VK Singh at the airport in Delhi. Mohammed bin Salman also received a ceremonial welcome on Wednesday by President Ram Nath Kovind at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
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