India's Modi begins his 2-day official visit to Saudi Arabia

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, according to his X account.

Modi is scheduled to participate in several meetings and programs during his visit, including the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, the prime minister's office said in a statement.

He will meet Saudi Arabian leaders, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

New Delhi "deeply values" its "long and historic ties" with Riyadh "that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years," the statement said.

"Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defense, trade, investment, energy and people to people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability," it added.

This is the Indian premier's third visit to the Middle Eastern nation over the last 10 years and his first one to the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.