Saudi Crown Prince gets warm welcome by PM Modi on arrival in New Delhi
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who arrived in new Delhi today for a two-day visit, recieved a warm welcome by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the airport. Minister of State External Affairs VK Singh was also present at the airport.
Saudi prince, who is in India for today and tomorrow, is likely to ink trade and defence deals with the Modi government. According to officials, both sides are expected to sign five agreements in areas of investment, tourism, housing and information and broadcasting during the Saudi leader's visit.
The Crown Prince is accompanied by a high-level official team as well as a large business delegation. The Crown Prince will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and he will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary on Wednesday.
Same day, PM Modi will host a lunch in honour of the Crown Prince at Hyderabad House. During his interaction with the Crown Prince, the PM is expected to strongly raise the issue of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism as the two countries will look at further enhancing defence ties, including having a joint naval exercise during his visit.
Ahead of his visit to India amidst fresh Indo-Pak tensions, the Crown Prince stressed that dialogue is the only way to ensure peace and stability in the region to resolve "outstanding issues" between India and Pakistan, according to a joint statement issued by Pakistan at the end his visit, which concluded on Monday. The Crown Prince had returned to Saudi Arabia after the visit, as New Delhi had reservations over his coming to India from Pakistan.
