India's prime minister Narendra Modi on Friday (30) met Saudi Arabia crown prince Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Buenos Aires and the two leaders discussed ways to boost economic and energy ties.
"Had a fruitful interaction with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. We discussed multiple aspects of India-Saudi Arabia relations and ways to further boost economic, cultural and energy ties," the Modi wrote on microblogging site Twitter.
"Deepening strategic ties. PM @narendramodi met with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud on sidelines of #G20Argentina. Discussed enhancing Saudi investment in technology, infrastructure, petroleum, renewable energy, food security, fintech & defence sectors," external affairs ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.
Calling Saudi Arabia a valuable partner, PMO sources told Press Trust of India that the relationship between the two countries has expanded “beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security.”
Modi and Salman met in the prince’s residence in Buenos Aires and discussed Saudi Arabia's readiness to supply India with oil and petroleum products.
The duo also talked about Saudi oil giant Aramco's investment in refineries in India, including the company's project to build a large refinery on the western coast of India, Reuters reported citing Saudi news agency SPA.
They are also believed to have discussed cooperation in arms manufacturing and Saudi Arabia's efforts to develop a domestic arms industry.
On the sidelines of the 13th G-20 summit, Modi, US president Donald Trump and Japanese premier Shinzo Abe will hold a trilateral meeting. The trilateral meeting with Modi will be held towards the end of the Trump-Abe talks, White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said on Thursday (29).
Damian Talbot