Modi meets Saudi Prince, discuss ways to deepen cooperation

India and Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the on-going G-20 Summit in Japan, discussed ways to deepen cooperation in sectors like trade and investment, energy security and counter-terrorism.

Osaka: India and Saudi Arabia on Friday discussed ways to deepen cooperation in various areas, including trade and investment, energy security and counter-terrorism as Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman here.

"Met Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. We reviewed the full range of relations between India and Saudi Arabia. Our talks today will add great strength to bilateral ties between our nations," Modi tweeted.

The Prime Minister appreciated that Saudi Arabia ensured a continuous supply of oil at a reasonable price in the past few months, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters after the meeting held on the sidelines of G20 Summit.

Describing the talks as "fruitful", Gokhale said the Crown Prince also promised that India's Haj quota would be raised from 1,70,000 to 2,00,000 annually.

They spoke about the need for greater tourism, more flights and agreed to meet again later this year, he added.

Modi also held a meeting with South Korea President Moon Jae-in and discussed ways to enhance trade, economic, people-to-people relations and to ease visa policies.

"It is always special to meet my good friend, President Moon Jae-in. He is extremely passionate about furthering friendship between India and the Republic of Korea," Modi said.

"Today, we talked about various steps to enhance trade, economic and people-to-people relations," the Prime Minister added.

The two leaders, Gokhale said, also discussed about the way in which the people of India and South Korea can get visas more easily and for a longer duration.

They also expressed mutual desire to synergise India's Act East Policy with South Korea's New Southern Policy, he said.

The Prime Minister also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel and discussed cooperation in artificial intelligence, E-mobility, cyber security, railway modernisation and skill development.

"Giving impetus to friendship with Germany. Chancellor Merkel and PM discuss ways to diversify and deepen India-Germany ties," the PMO tweeted.

Merkel also congratulated Modi on the recent electoral victory.