His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, met with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East, in light of the ongoing escalation in the region. During the talks, both sides emphasized the need to exert all possible efforts to de-escalate tensions and prevent the conflict from spreading further, which threatens international peace and security.
These talks come at a critical juncture for the region, with both sides emphasizing the importance of joint coordination between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India, given their significant influence on the global political and economic landscape. The Saudi Crown Prince reiterated the Kingdom's unwavering stance, advocating for dialogue and diplomatic solutions, and for concerted efforts to protect civilians and ensure the stability of the region, which is a vital artery for the global economy.
The depth of Saudi-Indian relations
This communication cannot be understood in isolation from the historical and strategic context of relations between Riyadh and New Delhi. Recent years have witnessed a qualitative leap in bilateral relations, culminating in the establishment of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council in 2019, which is directly overseen by the leaders of both countries. These political consultations reflect the depth of mutual understanding and the shared desire to enhance regional stability, especially given India's vital interests in the Arabian Gulf region, both in terms of energy security and the presence of a large Indian community that contributes to development.
Economic and geopolitical dimensions
On the economic front, both sides recognize that any unintended escalation in the region could have serious repercussions for global supply chains and energy markets. Saudi Arabia is a reliable partner for India in energy security, and the two countries are key partners in the Economic Corridor (IMEC) project, which connects India with the Middle East and Europe and was announced at the G20 summit. Therefore, regional stability is crucial for the success of these mega-projects and for achieving the economic goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and India’s development aspirations.
At the conclusion of the talks, it was emphasized that consultation and coordination between the two friendly countries would continue on issues of common interest, in a way that serves the interests of both peoples and enhances the prospects for peace and stability in the region and the world.
