PM Modi, French President Discuss Bilateral Ties, Denounce Terror in Kashmir

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir while co-chairing the Strategic Partnership Council, designed to further consolidate the friendship between the two nations.

Modi, who visited Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit, postponed his planned meeting with the Crown Prince by a minimum of two hours to gauge the situation in Kashmir, where terrorists killed 26 people, the majority of whom were tourists, in the most lethal assault in the Valley since the Pulwama attack in 2019.

Modi, who had bilateral talks with the Saudi Crown Prince, missed an official dinner hosted and opted to shorten his visit and return home on Tuesday night, sources indicated. He was initially supposed to return to India on Wednesday night. Earlier, Modi was given a ceremonial welcome at the Al Salam Palace (Palace of Peace), where he was greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed.

The two hugged each other as they met, state-run Saudi Press Agency photographs showed. This was followed by extensive bilateral talks and the Strategic Partnership Council meeting, which was put in place during the prime minister's visit in 2019 to enhance bilateral relations.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan said the meeting started with a mention of the unfortunate terror attack that has occurred in India.
"Both leaders have expressed their condemnation regarding the terror attack. The Crown Prince expressed his sympathies and condolences and offered any assistance in this regard to us", the envoy added.

India and Saudi Arabia have understanding in matters concerning terrorism, and they are still cooperating, he said. Following the negotiations, India and Saudi Arabia signed some memoranda of understanding (MoUs). This is the third visit by the prime minister to the Gulf Kingdom and the first visit to the ancient city of Jeddah."This visit will cement the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia" Modi had posted earlier on X in English and Arabic.

As a gesture, the prime minister's plane was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15s in Saudi airspace. The gesture was interpreted as a deepening of defence ties between the two nations.

"Providing further momentum to our long-standing and historic relationship. PM @narendramodi arrives in historic port city Jeddah to a 21-gun salute and ceremonial welcome, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal tweeted.

The prime minister has been bestowed the Saudi Arabia highest civilian award in 2016 and has also referred to crown prince as 'my brother'. 2.7 million Indians reside and work in the Gulf Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In an interview with Arab News prior to his visit, Modi referred to Saudi Arabia as "one of India's most cherished partners, a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic partner".

"We view Saudi Arabia as a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia have a natural interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region", he added.