India-Saudi Arabia Joint
Statement during the visit of Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia (April 03, 2016)
1. At
the invitation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques His Majesty King Salman
bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Hon'ble Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Shri
Narendra Modi paid a two-day official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from
2-3 April 2016.
2. The
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques received Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on
3 April at the Royal Court. The two leaders held discussions in the spirit of
the strong friendship that binds the two countries and their peoples. During the
visit, Prime Minister Modi also met with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin
Naif bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Deputy Premier & Minister of
Interior and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al
Saud, Deputy Crown Prince, Second Deputy Premier & Minister of Defence.
Prime Minister Modi also received Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of
Health & Chairman of the Executive Board of Saudi Aramco.
3. The
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Prime Minister
Modi exchanged views on bilateral, regional and multilateral issues of mutual
interest. The two leaders underlined the close and friendly bilateral ties,
deep-rooted in shared history and sustained and nourished through growing
economic partnership, multi-faceted cooperation and vibrant people to people
contacts. The wide-ranging and constructive discussions were held in a cordial
atmosphere and enabled better understanding and appreciation of each other’s
concerns and perspectives, recognizing the close interlinkage of the stability
and security of the Gulf region and the Indian subcontinent and the need for
maintaining a secure and peaceful environment for the development of the
countries of the region.
4. Both
leaders expressed appreciation for the successful transformation of bilateral
relationship in political, economic, security, defence, manpower and people to
people exchanges, in recent years, which have enriched bilateral ties. They
expressed satisfaction at the regular exchange of high-level visits between the
two countries, underlining that the Delhi Declaration (2006) and the Riyadh
Declaration (2010) elevated the mutually beneficial bilateral relations to the
level of 'Strategic Partnership'.
5. Cognizant
of their responsibility for promoting peace, stability and security in the
region and the world, the two leaders emphasized the importance of further
cementing bilateral strategic engagement, including in the areas of security and
defence cooperation, to serve the common interests of the two countries and
their peoples.
6. Prime
Minister Modi acknowledged that the MoU on Defence Cooperation signed during the
visit of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud to India in February 2014
as the then Crown Prince, Deputy Premier and Defence Minister of the Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia was an important milestone in strengthening the strategic
partnership between the two countries. The two leaders agreed upon the need to
intensify bilateral defence cooperation, through exchange of visits by military
personnel and experts, conduct of joint military exercises, exchange of visits
of ships and aircrafts and supply of arms and ammunition and their joint
development. They also welcomed the decision for convening of the second meeting
of Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation in Riyadh to follow up on the visit of
Prime Minister Modi.
7. The
two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation to strengthen maritime security in the
Gulf and the Indian Ocean regions, vital for the security and prosperity of both
countries. They further agreed to promote bilateral collaboration for
humanitarian assistance and evacuation in natural disasters and conflict
situations.
8. The
two leaders expressed strong condemnation of the phenomenon of terrorism in all
its forms and manifestations, irrespective of who the perpetrators were and of
their motivations.
9. Affirming
that the menace of extremism and terrorism threatens all nations and societies,
the two leaders rejected totally any attempt to link this universal phenomenon
to any particular race, religion or culture. They called on all states to reject
the use of terrorism against other countries; dismantle terrorism
infrastructures where they happen to exist and to cut off any kind of support
and financing to the terrorists operating and perpetrating terrorism from their
territories against other states; and bring perpetrators of acts of terrorism to
justice.
10. The
two leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation in combating terrorism,
both at the bilateral level and within the multilateral system of the UN. The
two leaders called upon the international community to strengthen multilateral
regimes to effectively address the challenges posed by terrorism. The two sides
agreed to work together towards the adoption of India’s proposed Comprehensive
Convention on International Terrorism in the United Nations. The Prime Minister
lauded Kingdom’s efforts at fighting terrorism in all its aspects and its active
participation in international efforts towards this end. The Indian side was
briefed on the Kingdom’s initiative in bringing together Islamic Alliance
against terrorism.
11. Acknowledging
and commending their strong bilateral security cooperation, the two leaders
agreed to enhance cooperation in counter-terrorism operations, intelligence
sharing and capacity-building and to strengthen cooperation in law enforcement,
anti-money laundering, drug-trafficking and other transnational crimes. They
welcomed the signing of an MOU on cooperation in exchange of intelligence
related to money laundering, related crimes and terrorism financing. The two
sides further agreed to take action against illegal transfer of
money.
12. Both
leaders agreed to promote cooperation in cyber security, including prevention of
use of cyber space for terrorism, radicalization and for disturbing social
harmony. The two leaders directed their relevant agencies to coordinate efforts
to counter radicalization and misuse of religion by groups and countries for
inciting hatred, perpetrating and justifying terrorism for pursuing political
aims. The two leaders welcomed exchanges and dialogue between religious scholars
and intellectuals of both countries and the organization of conferences and
seminars to promote values of peace, tolerance, inclusiveness and welfare,
inherent in all religions.
13. Reiterating
the significance of regular bilateral interactions in reinforcing the momentum
for bilateral cooperation, the leaders noted with satisfaction the increase in
high-level exchanges between the two countries in recent years. They underlined
the importance of regular exchange of visits, including at the levels of
ministers and senior officials.
14. Both
leaders appreciated the well-functioning bilateral institutional mechanisms in
the field of trade & investment, energy, defence and manpower. They noted
that new and potential areas of cooperation identified during the meetings held
under these mechanisms had a constructive effect on the expanding bilateral ties
and further called for effective implementation of the decisions made under the
framework of these mechanisms.
15. The
two leaders welcomed the positive outcomes of the 11th session of the Joint
Commission Meeting held in New Delhi in May 2015 and its Review Meeting held in
Riyadh in December 2015. The two leaders mandated the Saudi-India Joint
Commission to continue follow up of the decisions taken at the highest levels
for cementing the bilateral strategic partnership.
16. Acknowledging
the on-going positive transformation of the economies of India and Saudi Arabia,
the two leaders emphasized the importance of expanding trade and investment ties
to drive the strategic engagement forward. They directed their Finance and Trade
Ministers to work together to find ways and means to substantially increase the
flow of bilateral investments and growth of trade ties.
17. Acknowledging
the steady increase in bilateral trade over the last few years, the two leaders
expressed satisfaction at the USD 39 billion trade in 2014-15. Taking note of
the excellent trade and economic engagement, with the two countries being among
the top trading partners for each other, the two leaders agreed upon the need to
further strengthen these ties, particularly through diversifying non-oil
trade.
18. Both
leaders expressed satisfaction at the growing presence of Indian and Saudi
companies in each other's market and agreed to further encourage trade promotion
measures and participation in fairs and exhibitions. They welcomed the meeting
of Saudi India Business Council in New Delhi in December 2015 and agreed that
Council was a useful platform for furthering trade and economic
cooperation.
19. The
two sides conveyed satisfaction at the holding of the 4th India GCC Industrial
Forum at King Abdullah Economic City, Jeddah in November 2015. The Saudi side
thanked India for active participation of a large number of Indian companies in
the International Fairs and Exhibitions held in Riyadh and Jeddah.
20. The
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman Bin Abdulaziz lauded the strong
growth shown by Indian economy and expressed appreciation for Prime Minister
Modi's remarkable vision for the future of the country. He commended Prime
Minister Modi’s worthy initiatives of "Start Up India", "Make in India", "Smart
City”, and "Clean India”, noting their strong potential to provide Indian
economy a positive thrust for growth.
21. The
Indian side highlighted the key initiatives taken by the Government of India to
improve the ease of doing business in the country and India's key efforts to
simplify and rationalize existing rules and relax the foreign direct investment
norms in key areas, including railways, defence and insurance. Inviting Saudi
Arabia to be a partner in India's growth story, Prime Minister Modi encouraged
Saudi Aramco, SABIC and other Saudi companies to invest in the infrastructure
sector in India and to participate in projects creating mega industrial
manufacturing corridors, smart cities as well as the Digital India and Start up
India programmes.
22. The
Saudi side expressed its interest in investing in infrastructure development in
India, especially in priority areas such as railways, roads, ports, and
shipping. The Saudi side welcomed interest of Indian side in investing in the
Kingdom, especially taking advantage of the competitive investment opportunities
offered by the Saudi economic and Industrial cities.
23. Both
leaders also welcomed the signing of the framework agreement between the General
Investment Authority in Saudi Arabia and Invest India aimed at facilitating
investments by the private sectors in the two countries.
24. Keeping
in view the importance of energy security as a key pillar of the strategic
partnership, the two leaders expressed satisfaction at their growing bilateral
trade in the energy sector, acknowledging Saudi Arabia as the largest supplier
of crude oil to India.
25. The
two leaders agreed to transform the buyer-seller relationship in the
energy-sector to one of deeper partnership focusing on investment and joint
ventures in petrochemical complexes, and cooperation in joint exploration in
India, Saudi Arabia and in third countries. The two sides also agreed to focus
on areas of training and human resources development and cooperation in research
and development in the energy sector. In this regard, the two leaders expressed
the need for regular meetings under the umbrella of India-Saudi Arabia
Ministerial Energy Dialogue.
26. The
two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation between educational institutions,
universities and higher research institutions of the two countries.
27. Both
leaders emphasized the importance of continued promotion of scientific and
technological collaboration, including in the areas of renewable energy
including solar, Information and Communication technology, space technology,
sustainable development, arid agriculture, desert ecology, urban development,
healthcare and bio-technology. The two sides further agreed to collaborate on
areas of food security.
28. The
Saudi side appreciated the initiative taken by the Prime Minister of India
leading to the formation of International Solar Alliance. They acknowledged the
importance of this Alliance in advancing new solar technologies
worldwide.
29. Recognizing
the vibrant people to people contacts that provided strong bonds between the two
countries, the two leaders lauded the valuable role of the Indian community in
Saudi Arabia and its contribution to the progress and development of both India
and Saudi Arabia. They welcomed the signing of an agreement on labour
cooperation for recruitment of General Category Workers. Both sides also
welcomed the establishment of a Joint Working Group on Consular issues under the
umbrella of the India-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission to discuss consular issues
on a regular basis.
30. Prime
Minister Modi conveyed his sincere appreciation for the excellent arrangements
made by the Saudi authorities for the comfort of the Haj and Umrah pilgrims from
India.
31. The
two leaders noted that India and Saudi Arabia have shared civilizational ties
over history that are enriched by the movement of goods, peoples and ideas. They
believed that this common heritage can be drawn upon to strengthen their
convergence on approaching contemporary challenges. A broad approach of humanism
and tolerance and a conviction that faith should unite rather than divide can be
a positive factor in international relations.
32. The
two leaders discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest,
including the security situation in West Asia, Middle East and South Asia, in
the light of their common interest in the regional and global peace, security
and stability. Referring to the earlier declarations with regard to the
situations in Yemen and Syria, they called for the implementation of relevant UN
Security Council resolutions (2216, 2254 and 2268). They also expressed grave
concern regarding security situation in Libya and Iraq. In this regard, they
reiterated the importance of peaceful resolution of these issues through
dialogue and political negotiations.
33. During
their discussions on regional issues, the two sides emphasized the importance of
the principle of good neighbourliness, non-interference in internal affairs,
respect of independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity and resolution of
dispute through peaceful means.
34. The
two sides expressed their hope for achieving a just, comprehensive and lasting
peace in accordance with the Arab Peace Initiative and the resolutions of
international legitimacy, in a way that guarantees the legitimate rights of the
Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent, united and
viable state, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
35. Both
leaders emphasized the importance of an effective multilateral system, centred
on a UN reflective of contemporary realities, as a key factor in tackling global
challenges. They stressed upon the urgent need to pursue UN reforms, including
of the Security Council through an expansion in both categories of its
membership, to make it more representative, credible and effective.
36. The
leaders agreed that the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Saudi Arabia helped in
further consolidating and deepening the strategic partnership framework and
further development of excellent bilateral relations in all spheres, to serve
the common interests of the two countries and their peoples.
37. Prime
Minister Modi expressed his sincere gratitude to His Majesty the King for the
warm welcome and gracious hospitality. He invited His Majesty the King to pay an
official visit to India at mutually convenient time, which was gladly accepted.
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