India, Saudi Arabia Discuss Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation

The discussions took place during a meeting between Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Vipul and Shura Council Speaker Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh in Riyadh on September 29.

The Indian Embassy said the meeting focused on the strategic partnership between the two countries, with particular attention to strengthening institutional links and exchanges between the Indian Parliament and Saudi Arabia’s Shura Council.

The two sides also discussed bilateral relations across various sectors and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. The Shura Council said the meeting reviewed existing ties between the two countries and explored ways to deepen cooperation in areas that serve their common interests.

The meeting was also attended by Shura Council member and Chairman of the Saudi-Indian Parliamentary Friendship Committee, Major General Dr Abdulrahman Al-Harbi.

The ambassador has held several high-level engagements with Saudi officials in recent weeks. On September 20, Vipul met Riyadh Governor Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, with discussions covering cooperation in trade, investment, energy, technology, education, culture and people-to-people ties. The ambassador also thanked the governor for the continued support extended to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.

Earlier, on September 10, Vipul met Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Minister of Defence Khaled bin Hussain Al Biyari in Riyadh. The two officials discussed defence cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia as well as regional developments, while reiterating their commitment to further strengthening the strategic partnership.

Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh also visited Saudi Arabia from September 5 to 8. During the visit, he held talks with Saudi Vice Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Mansour Hilal Al Mushaiti on bilateral cooperation in environmental issues and climate action.

Singh also met Indian workers at the Al Fanar Company labour camp and highlighted their contribution to strengthening ties between the two countries. He reiterated the government's commitment to the welfare of the Indian diaspora, particularly Indian workers living abroad.

The minister also met Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Climate Envoy Adel al-Jubeir, with the two sides reviewing bilateral relations and discussing cooperation on climate action.