Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman today said terrorism and extremism are a “common concern”. Saudi Arabia will “cooperate with India and neighbouring states” on the matter, he added during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The bilateral talks between the two leaders were held in the shadow of escalating tension with Pakistan over last week’s Pulwama terror attack, in which 40 soldiers were killed by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad. The Prince was welcomed by PM Modi as he arrived in New Delhi after a two-day visit to Pakistan, where he praised Islamabad’s efforts for “regional peace and security”.
- “The common concern is terrorism and extremism. We will cooperate with India and neighboring states to ensure future generations are safe. We applaud India’s role in this matter,” Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said. Saudi Arabia, he said, will help India on this front through intelligence sharing.
- “We have agreed that terrorism should not be supported in any form, and we should put pressure on countries that back terror. To end terror infrastructure, ending support to terror groups and punishing them is essential, so that young people don’t take up arms … I’m glad Saudi Arabia agrees with India on this,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
- PM Modi said discussions were also held on various aspects of the strategic relationship and trade ties. “It is time to convert energy partnership into strategic partnership, this is no longer just a buyer seller relationship. I welcome Saudi investment in infrastructure,” he added.
- PM Modi broke protocol to personally welcome the Saudi Prince; he was seen wrapping the 33-year-old in his signature bear hug by the steps of the Prince’s plane.
- Amid India’s efforts to diplomatically isolate Pakistan over the Pulwama terror attack, the Saudi Crown Prince has announced investments worth 20 billion dollars at the end of his two-day visit to Islamabad on Monday.
- “Relations between India and the Arabian peninsula is in our DNA,” Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told reporters this morning, in the backdrop of criticism in India of his Pakistani visit.