- In the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s Crown prince visit to India,both countries have advanced the security relationship that was started in 2016 by instituting a comprehensive security dialogue to oversee common security issues.
- The dialogue will largely focus on (a) intelligence sharing (b) identifying threats (c)working on common solutions to security problems (d) cyber security and (e) maritime security.
- The two sides also agreed to establish a “Strategic partnership council” led by the Prime minister and the crown prince, supported by ministerial representation.It intends to deepen partnership in areas of political engagement, security, trade,investment, and culture.
- Saudi Arabia has identified India as one of the 8 strategic partners.The Riyadh Declaration of 2010 had forged a Strategic Partnership between India and Saudi Arabia.As part of this engagement,the Strategic Partnership Council was established.
