Ministry of External Affairs Government of India

During his visit to Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Secretary (CPV & OIA) Dr. Ausaf Sayeed has held the 1st India-GCC Senior Officials Meeting and various bilateral meetings with Saudi dignitaries.

Secretary (CPV & OIA) held consultations with Saudi Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs, Eng. Waleed bin Abdul Kareem El-Khereiji on 20 March 2023 on the Political-Security-Social-Cultural pillar of India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). They positively assessed the continued high-level contacts between both countries. EAM and Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister had earlier reviewed bilateral relations on the sidelines of G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 03 March.

On 21 March, Secretary (CPV & OIA) discussed the progress made under the Committee on Economy and Investment of the SPC with Dr. Faisal Al-Sugair, President and CEO, Saudi Centre for International Strategic Partnerships (SCISP). Both sides agreed to make further progress on priority opportunities identified under the Committee including in areas such as renewable energy, grid connectivity, pharmaceuticals, food security, IT, fintech and water resources.

Earlier, on 19 March, Secretary (CPV & OIA) had met Deputy Minister for International Partnerships in Saudi Ministry of Investment, Mr. Mohammad Al Hassnah and discussed opportunities of bilateral investment exchanges. Both sides deliberated on forming an investment bridge for accelerating the pending investment projects and facilitating investors.

Secretary (CPV & OIA) called on the Saudi Minister for Hajj & Umrah, Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah on 22 March. He thanked the Saudi Minister for the allocation of a Haj quota of 1,75,025 for India for 2023. He also reiterated an invitation to him to visit India at his earliest convenience.

New Delhi
March 22, 2023