23 April Jeddah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia was an important milestone in strengthening ties between the two countries. During his visit, India and Saudi Arabia signed several key agreements covering a wide range of areas, including space, healthcare, anti-doping, and postal services.
But the visit was curtailed following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The Prime Minister was forced to return to India prematurely and also cancelled an official dinner scheduled in Saudi Arabia.
Notwithstanding the sudden change in plans, several major agreements were signed during the visit. The two nations have agreed to cooperate more closely in space exploration, health care, combating doping in sport, and improving postal services.
There was a significant accord between India’s Department of Space and the Saudi Space Agency. Under this accord, both nations will collaborate on peaceful space endeavors, and this will represent a new era in scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
In the health sector, India and Saudi Arabia pledged to enhance public health care services and their healthcare systems. They also agreed on a standalone agreement to cooperate in the fight against doping in sports and proposed to create awareness and encourage clean sports through concerted efforts.
Also, India’s Department of Posts and Saudi Post Corporation inked a deal to enhance the handling of parcels and mail between both countries for more efficient logistics of both nations.
These understandings were reached in the second session of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). The session was co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The leaders in their discussions considered progress in different areas such as trade, defence, energy, technology, agriculture, and cultural exchange. They also reaffirmed their determination to enhance cooperation in these areas.
In line with their increasing rapport, the two leaders also agreed to form two new ministerial committees—one on defence cooperation and another on tourism and cultural exchange. The two committees are meant to foster long-term cooperation in these sectors.
Though the Prime Minister had to cut his visit short, the journey was a positive leap forward for India and Saudi Arabia, which further cemented their alliance and support for cooperation and mutual development.
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