On Tuesday, Indian PM Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation with the Saudi Crown Prince and PM Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (MBS) and discussed maritime security following Houthi attacks on two India-bound merchant vessels.
The two leaders also held talks on the situation in the Middle East amid the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Discussions on Maritime Security
Modi and MBS talked on a number of topics of shared interest, as well as national and international developments and efforts made in this regard. The call was initiated by the Indian PM.
The discussions were held as India faces the wrath of the Red Sea crisis, with Merchant Vessel (MV) Chem Pluto and MV Saibaba being attacked in the Arabian Sea and Red Sea, respectively, last week.
Held a good conversation with my Brother HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud on the future of Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. We exchanged views on the West Asia situation and shared concerns regarding terrorism, violence and the loss of…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 26, 2023
As the Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red and Arabian Seas affect regional and global trade and security, the two sides emphasised the need for maintaining maritime security and the freedom of navigation.
The attacks have led to a suspension of trade through the region by several major shipping companies and the creation of a US-led force to prevent attacks, thus adding a new dimension to the crisis that has claimed over 20,400 Palestinian lives.
Working Together for Peace in the Middle East
Discussing the situation in the Middle East, Modi reaffirmed India’s long-standing and principled stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict and called for continued humanitarian relief for the impacted population of Gaza.
“They shared deep concerns at terrorism, violence and the loss of civilian lives,” a release following the talks noted.
“The two leaders agreed to work together for peace, security and stability in the region,” the statement read.
Historical and Strategic Relations
According to the Saudi release, the leaders discussed the “historical and strategic relations between the two countries and explored ways to enhance them for the benefit of both nations.”
“The leaders reviewed progress in bilateral Strategic Partnership in follow-up to the State Visit of the Crown Prince to India in September 2023,” a release related to the meeting said.
During the meeting, the two leaders discussed the forward-looking bilateral partnership agenda for the future.
Modi also congratulated Saudi Arabia on being chosen to host the FIFA Football World Cup 2034 and Expo 2030.
The two leaders have agreed to remain in touch, given the erratic nature of developments in the Middle East and Red Sea regions.