Modi visit to Saudi Arabia

 Prime Minister Narendra Modi as part of the final leg of his recent three nation visit stopped at Saudi Arabia. He visited the nation to enhance the security and economic ties between the two nations.
Highlights of visit:

• PM Modi presents King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud a gold-plated replica of the Cheraman Juma Masjid in Kerala. Cheraman Juma Masjid is symbol of active trade relations between India and Saudi Arabia since ancient times.
• Both countries emphasised on furthering bilateral strategic engagement in the areas of security and defence co-operation.
• Both countries greed to enhance cooperation to strengthen maritime security in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions.
• Both the nations also decided to strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism both at the bilateral level and within multilateral system of the UN.
• Saudi Arabia expressed keen interest in railways, roads, ports, and shipping sectors in India.
• Saudi Arabia conferred its highest civilian honour on PM Modi during his visit of Saudi Arabia.

Analysis:

• Traditionally, India's diplomatic ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have never been deep, much less rooted in shared values. But due to its religious significance to Indian Muslims , rich oil reserves and employment to more then millions of Indian led to strengthening of ties.
• Now, Saudi Arabia is India’s largest supplier of crude oil where 70% of total energy needs are fulfilled by Saudi Arabia. India is the largest recipient of foreign remittances from the Kingdom
• There was signing of declaration between both India and Saudi Arabia to enhance cooperation in security , defense and economic affairs (Riyadh declaration).
• In Saudi Arabia concern, India is a vital market for Saudi Arabia, because the US and China are not much dependent on the region for energy
• Also India's focus on tri-directional foreign policy to accommodate the three key pillars of West Asia — Saudi Arabia, Iran and Israel is working well. To bring out peace and prosperity in this region , India can play a active role.

By: Vishal