NEW DELHI: In a joint statement wrapping up their discussions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, underscored the strengthening of defence cooperation.
They reaffirmed their commitment to continuing joint exercises, training initiatives, and high-level visits aimed at advancing common interests and enhancing security and stability.
Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) at the Ministry of External Affairs, emphasised the alignment between Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which prioritises local manufacturing, and India’s capabilities and interests.
Joint naval exercises
“We have ongoing defence cooperation, which is progressing smoothly. We’ve already conducted two rounds of joint naval exercises. Now, we are exploring the possibility of extending these joint exercises beyond naval operations,” Sayeed said, in an interview to ANI.
Saudi Arabia has a strong focus on local manufacturing within its Vision 2030, and Indian companies have expressed keen interest in showcasing their capabilities, according to Sayeed.
A milestone in deepening military cooperation was marked by the visit of Commander of the Royal Saudi Land Forces, Lieutenant General Fahd Bin Abdullah Mohammed AlMutair in 2022. In December 2020, the thenArmy Chief General MM Naravane made a historic visit to Saudi Arabia. Subsequently, there have been multiple visits by senior military officials from both the sides.
