PM Modi: "India and Saudi Arabia have similar security concerns"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Riyadh for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, and in the lead up to the visit, the Prime Minister gave an interview to  Arab News, where he spoke on various issues such as counter-terrorism and economy. On the subject of counter-terrorism, the Prime Minister said that the two countries face similar problems and that the talks are progressing well. 

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Similar security concerns

PM Modi said, "I believe that Asian powers like India and Saudi Arabia share similar security concerns in their neighbourhood. In that respect, I am happy that our cooperation, particularly in the field of counterterrorism, security and strategic issues, is progressing very well. My national security adviser just visited Riyadh for a very productive visit." He also added that the two countries are working towards increasing cooperation and sign agreements. "We have a Joint Committee on Defense Cooperation that holds regular meetings. We have identified a number of areas of mutual interest and cooperation in the field of defence and security. We are also in the process of entering into agreements on security cooperation, collaboration in defence industries, and also agreed to hold a comprehensive security dialogue mechanism between the two countries," he said.

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PM Modi also spoke about the turmoil in the region, and he said, "We believe that a balanced approach is required to resolve the conflicts, while respecting the principles of sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal matters. India shares excellent bilateral relations with all the countries in the region, and a very large Indian diaspora, numbering over 8 million, resides in the region. A dialogue process that encourages the participation of all stakeholders is important to bring peace and security to this very important region."

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The Prime Minister will be attending the third session of the Future Investment Initiative Forum in Riyadh on 29th October, 2019 where he will deliver the keynote address. There will also be a bilateral segment to his visit where he will meet His Majesty, the King as well as will hold delegation-level talks with His Royal Highness, Mohammad bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. 

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