Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, looking to boost ties with Asian allies, has arrived in India for a two-day visit amid rising expectations of further investment deals following a high-profile trip to Pakistan.
Aljazeera reported the Saudi crown prince, also known as MBS, was welcomed at the New Delhi airport by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who embraced him in a characteristic bear hug.
On Wednesday, Prince Mohammed is likely to hold talks with Modi, who is a recipient of Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Sash.
“Trade and investment, defence and security, including counterterrorism, and renewable energy” will be discussed during the crown prince’s meeting with Modi, India’s foreign ministry said.
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The two sides are also expected to discuss oil giant Saudi Aramco’s investment in refineries in India, including the company’s stalled project to build a $44bn facility on the western coast of India.
On Monday, Devendra Fadnavis, chief minister of Maharashtra state, announced that the India-Saudi project would be moved to a new location following demonstrations by farmers protesting against land acquisition.