Jeddah [Saudi Arabi], April 22 (ANI): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a crucial two day visit to Saudi Arabia he said that India considers Saudi Arabia as a force of positivity and stability in the region and that the growing defence and security engagement and collaboration between the two countries is a reflection of deep mutual trust.

'We consider Saudi Arabia as a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability in the region. The growing defence and security engagement and collaboration between the two countries is a reflection of deep mutual trust. It is also a testament to our shared commitment to regional stability and our mutual resolve to address the evolving challenges in our extended neighbourhood,' PM Modi said.

'We have seen steady progress in security cooperation. This includes areas such as counterterrorism, combating extremism, disrupting terror financing and tackling drug trafficking. We are also exploring new frontiers of cooperation in cybersecurity, recognizing its growing importance in today's interconnected world. Last year, we achieved an important milestone: the first-ever joint exercises between the two land forces. These were complemented by two successful rounds of the joint naval exercise Al-Mohed Al-Hindi, which were held in 2021 and 2023, the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi said that he was happy that India had been able to meet some of the needs of the Saudi Armed forces.

'Over the past decade, defence manufacturing has taken deeper roots in India. Today, there is a strong military industrial complex with the ability to manufacture quality ammunition, small arms, tanks, armoured carriers. For the air force, we are building drones, advanced light helicopters and fighter jets. For the navy, we have the capacity to build patrol boats, submarines, and even aircraft carriers. We are not just fulfilling our own needs. India has also emerged as an important supplier of defence equipment to more than 100 countries around the world,' PM Modi said

'I am glad that we have been able to meet some needs of the armed forces in Saudi Arabia. We support deeper engagement between private-sector players from both countries. We would welcome Saudi investment into the defence manufacturing sector in India that has been opened for private investment,' he added.

PM Modi said that India is now exploring joint projects in refineries and petrochemicals with Saudi Arabia.

'Energy has been an important pillar of our economic partnership. Saudi Arabia has been a strong and reliable energy partner for us. It is one of our top suppliers of crude and other petroleum products. As India seeks to become a developed country, our energy demands will continue to grow. And Saudi Arabia will remain a close partner in our energy security. As strategic partners we agree that our energy cooperation is not limited to mere buyer-seller relationships. We are also exploring joint projects in refineries and petrochemicals,' he said.

PM Modi also thanked the Saudi government for its continued assistance to the Muslims of India who come to Saudi for Haj and Umrah.

'As far as religious tourism is concerned, as you know we have a large Muslim population and they visit your beautiful country each year for Umrah and Haj pilgrimage. We are grateful to the Saudi leadership for the continued assistance provided to Indian pilgrims. Yoga has gained considerable popularity in Saudi Arabia over the recent years, thanks to the encouragement and support of the Saudi government. We are also noticing a growing interest in cricket,' PM Modi told Arab Times.

Prime Minister Modi also thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the patronage provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.

'First of all, let me put it on record that we are deeply grateful to Their Royal Highnesses, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the patronage they have provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. We can never forget how they took care of the Indians as one of their own during the difficult times of the COVID pandemic. Indians have a very important character -- whichever country they go, they make it their home. They are law abiding, dedicated and professional to the core. They carry with them the values of empathy, compassion and care.' he said.

'This very nature earns them respect of their host country. Saudi Arabia is no exception. Whenever I have met His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he has praised the Indian community and appreciated their significant contribution to the economic growth of the Kingdom. He has even said that they are part of the Saudi family. These words of praise always fill my heart with pride and joy. For my government, the members of the Indian diaspora are the 'rashtradoots' (national ambassadors). The 4Cs -- Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute -- is the motto of our engagement with our diaspora. Their safety, welfare and well-being is paramount for us,' he added.

PM Modi said he was eagerly looking forward to reconnecting with the Indian diaspora during this visit.

The visit of Prime Minister reflects the importance India attaches to its bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It will provide an opportunity to further deepen and strengthen our multi-faceted partnership, as well as to exchange views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest according to a statement by the External Affairs Ministry. (ANI)