India, Saudi Arabia strengthen education and trade ties

Riyadh

India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to boost cooperation in education, trade, and regional peace following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the Kingdom. In a joint statement, both nations promised to work together in areas like innovation, economic growth, and global stability.

The two countries celebrated growing educational and scientific partnerships. Saudi Arabia welcomed the idea of Indian universities setting up campuses in the Kingdom. They also discussed better cooperation on jobs and training programs.

A major topic was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, which aims to improve trade through railways and port links. This corridor is expected to make shipping between India and Saudi Arabia more efficient. Both countries are happy with the progress in clean energy projects, especially in green hydrogen and electricity sharing.

India and Saudi Arabia also want to work more closely in global forums like the G20, IMF, and World Bank. They stressed the importance of helping poorer countries deal with debt by supporting the Common Framework initiative created during the G20 Riyadh Summit.

On regional issues, both sides supported peaceful solutions in Yemen. India praised Saudi Arabia’s aid efforts, while Saudi Arabia thanked India for its support. They also agreed to work on making waterways safe and ensuring freedom of movement under international law.

Prime Minister Modi thanked Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the warm welcome. Both countries promised to hold the next Strategic Partnership Council meeting soon and to keep building strong ties.