India and Saudi Arabia Confirm Joint Naval Exercises in December, Ahead of PM Modi’s Riyadh Visit

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that India and Saudi Arabia are set to conduct joint naval exercises in December, this year. The announcement has been anticipated since the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in mid-February, when high level talks took place between Indian and Saudi Arabian delegations. The meeting was intended to strengthen bi-lateral relations, with a number of Memoranda of Understanding signed as well.

In the spirit of collaboration, the two nations also agreed to hold inaugural joint naval exercises, as part of a broader strategy to bolster defense ties. During the meeting, both sides expressed a willingness to work together to improve maritime security, and protect international trade routes.

The decision to proceed with the exercises comes ahead of Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Riyadh on October 29. PM Modi is expected to deliver the keynote address, meet with King Salman, and conduct delegation talks during the two-day visit. PM Modi’s trip also comes on the heels of India’s launch of the RuPay card. Saudi Arabia was the third country in which the RuPay card has been launched, following Bahrain and the UAE. The RuPay card, an indigenous electronic payment system, has been implemented to improve the ease of trade between the two countries, and help Indians undertaking the Haj pilgrimage.

Following the abrogation of Article 370 which provided Jammu and Kashmir special status, India has been rapidly expanding its foreign policy mandate, as it looks to cement its position as a global power. PM Modi’s meeting in Riyadh comes on the back of Pakistan PM Imran Khan’s visit earlier this month, and Modi will be keen to win the support of King Salman, in India’s fight against terrorist elements emanating from Pakistan.

Source: TNN

Image Courtesy: Hindustan Time