“This is a very important opportunity to compare notes on several issues of mutual concern in the related to the regional situation as well as the global developments and what you have referred to the attacks by the Houthis with regard to shipping and navigation, etc, is obviously something that India has been closely monitoring as well and also watching with some concern,” Misri said.Misri also said that the evolving situation in West Asia, particularly the Israel-Palestine conflict, would feature prominently in the bilateral discussions.“On the situation in West Asia and the current state of affairs between Israel and Palestine, we’ve seen developments that are certainly of concern. Saudi Arabia plays a very important role in addressing this issue,” he noted.Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, spanning sectors such as energy, infrastructure, investment, and technology.In 2023–24, bilateral trade between India and Saudi Arabia reached $42.98 billion, with Indian exports totalling $11.56 billion and imports amounting to $31.42 billion. During the same period, Saudi Arabia emerged as India’s third-largest supplier of crude oil and LPG, delivering 33.35 million metric tonnes of crude and accounting for 18.2% of India’s LPG imports.“This visit is guided by strong personal chemistry and mutual respect between Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” Misri said
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