New Delhi [India], April 21 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia has been described as a vital step in strengthening ties between the two nations. Former Ambassador to Bangladesh, Mahesh Sachdev, called the visit 'extremely significant,' pointing to Saudi Arabia's key role in the Gulf and wider West Asia, whereas former diplomat KP Fabian also underscored the 'multifaceted' nature of Indo-Saudi relations.

While speaking with ANI, Sachdev said, 'This visit is extremely significant. Saudi Arabia is a major player in the Gulf region as well as in the wider West Asia. It has been a strategic ally of India for some time, and the Strategic Partnership Council has been formed. The first session was held when Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman visited India in 2019, and the second session is to be held in Jeddah during PM Modi's visit tomorrow. This would allow the two sides at a supreme level to interact, exchange views and chalk out possibilities of bilateral cooperation. Saudi Arabia is important for India, and india is also gaining importance for Saudi Arabia.'

He added, 'In terms of Saudi Arabia's importance to India, there is also a very robust trade relationship, but the investment ties between India and Saudi Arabia are below their potential. So on the economic side, the two sides should chalk out strategies to boost their bilateral trade and prepare the ground for greater Saudi investments in India in projects.'

Sachdev further emphasised that Saudi Arabia is actively seeking reliable partners to strengthen its defence capabilities, and India has emerged as a trusted partner in this regard.

He told ANI, 'On the security and defence side, Saudi Arabia is located in a very unstable neighbourhood. Yemen, Gaza, Iran, etc are on fire... Saudis are looking for friends who can bolster their defence capacity, and India is such a friend. The bilateral cooperation in security and defence has been growing. I believe that PM's visit would help boost it further.'

Meanwhile, former diplomat KP Fabian described PM Modi's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia as highly important, particularly for India and noted that both countries share strong ties across energy, strategy, diplomacy, trade, and investment.

'This is an important visit, especially for India. Saudi Arabia is a very significant partner in our neighbourhood. Indo-Saudi relations are multifaceted, there's a relationship of energy, strategy, diplomacy, trade and investment. On all these fronts, both countries matter to each other. Under the young Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key global player. With many Indians living there, their safety and prosperity should always be a priority, as a constant concern. Saudi is also a major energy provider to India,' Fabian told ANI.

Prime Minister Modi will embark on a visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the upcoming visit from April 22 to 23 will be the first visit of the Prime Minister to the country in his third term.

Previously, he had travelled to the Saudi Kingdom twice, in 2016 and 2019. (ANI)