From K J M Varma

Hangzhou: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today met Deputy Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad bin Salman here and held discussions on UNSC reform and on enhancing bilateral ties in various areas including energy and maritime security.

In the meeting on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Modi said the Saudi Deputy Crown Prince has been a “strong friend of India”, sources said.

“They held a detailed discussion on UN Security Council reform, with both leaders emphasising the need for expansion of the UNSC to include more permanent members,” they said.

The prime minister called for strengthened partnership with Saudi Arabia in various areas such as maritime security, infrastructure, low-cost housing and energy sector.

He invited greater Saudi investment, mainly through the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF), and sought greater cooperation in infrastructure, particularly modernisation of railway stations, according to the sources.

Modi told the Saudi Deputy Crown Prince India could also become a source of food supply to the oil-rich Gulf Kingdom.

The deputy crown prince, who is the son of Saudi King Salman, holds the key defence and economic policy portfolios.

PTI