External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, handing a written message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Mr Jaishankar reached Saudi Arabia on Saturday on a three-day visit to deliberate ways to strengthen relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, the bilateral relations between the two countries and the opportunities for augmenting were appraised. Besides, the newest regional and international developments and the efforts taken towards them were discussed. On Sunday in Riyadh, S Jaishankar had “warm and productive” talks with his Saudi colleague Prince Faisal bin Farhan. They had discussed the current global political and economic issues wherein they agreed to work meticulously together in G-20 and Multilateral organisations.

They initiated the first parliamentary meeting of the Committee, talking about Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation (PSSC). This body is established under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. In Riyadh, S Jaishankar spoke to the Prince Saud Al Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies diplomats. India and Saudi Arabia appreciate cordial and friendly relations imitating the centuries-old Economic and Socio-cultural ties.

As per the report, Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trading partner. More than 18% of India’s crude oil imports are bought from Saudi Arabia. During FY22 April -December, bilateral trade was estimated at $29.28 billion. During this period, India’s imports from Saudi Arabia were worth $22.65 billion, and exports to Saudi Arabia were worth $6.63 billion.

The top leadership and friendship of both countries endured in close touch even during the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the External Affairs Ministry said.