India and Saudi Arabia discussed strengthening parliamentary cooperation and exchanges as part of efforts to deepen their strategic partnership and bilateral ties across multiple sectors. The discussions took place during a meeting between India's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Vipul, and Saudi Arabia's Shura Council Speaker Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh on September 29.
According to the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Vipul paid a courtesy call on Al Al-Sheikh, during which the two sides reviewed the strategic partnership between the two countries. Particular emphasis was placed on strengthening parliamentary cooperation and exchanges between the Indian Parliament and the Saudi Shura Council. The discussions also covered issues of mutual interest.
The Saudi Shura Council said the meeting reviewed bilateral relations and ways to enhance cooperation in various fields, with parliamentary relations receiving particular attention. The meeting was also attended by Major General Dr Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, a member of the Shura Council and chairman of its Saudi-Indian Parliamentary Friendship Committee. Such parliamentary exchanges form part of the broader institutional engagement between the two countries.
Also Read: In Rare First, UAE Confirms Netanyahu’s Secret Abu Dhabi Visit For Six-Hour Talks On Iran
The latest meeting follows a series of engagements by Ambassador Vipul with senior Saudi officials. On September 20, he met Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and discussed cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, education, culture and people-to-people relations. The ambassador also thanked the governor for the continued support extended to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier, on September 10, Vipul met Saudi Arabia's Assistant Minister of Defence Khaled bin Hussain Al Biyari in Riyadh. The two sides discussed India-Saudi defence cooperation and regional developments, while reaffirming their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership. The engagements come alongside wider high-level diplomatic interactions between New Delhi and Riyadh.
Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also visited Saudi Arabia from September 5 to 8, during which he held meetings covering areas including environment, climate action and bilateral relations. He met Saudi officials and Indian workers in the country, highlighting the contribution of the Indian community to bilateral ties. The recent engagements underline the broad range of areas in which India and Saudi Arabia are continuing to develop cooperation.
Also Read: Rajnath Singh, Japanese Defence Minister Exchange Messages, Discuss Deeper Bilateral Ties