(Image source from: www.arabnews.com)

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman arrived Yesterday evening on a two-day visit that will focus on deepening strategic and bilateral relations between the two countries.

It is expected the two countries will deliver a strong message on terrorism.

Breaking Protocol, Prime Minister Narendra Modi went to airport to receive him personally.

PM Modi tweeted, “India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.”

India is delighted to welcome HRH Mohammed Bin Salman, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/wBK1F1UZAA

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 19, 2019

Ministry of External affairs official said, “A new chapter in bilateral relations.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold talks with Saudi Arabia Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman in New Delhi today on wide range of issues of mutual interest and Several agreements are expected to be signed after the talks.

The Crown Prince popularly known as MBS,is also the Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Ministers, senior officials and leading Saudi businessmen.

The Crown Prince will call on President Ram Nath Kovind and he will host a banquet in honour of the visiting dignitary.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a successful visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2016. During that visit the two countries have agreed to further elevate existing strategic partnership.

India and Saudi Arabia have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations anchored in mutually beneficial partnership and extensive people to people contacts.

In recent years, there has been significant progress in bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including energy security, trade and investment,infrastructure, defence and security.

In Statement ahead of the visit of Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said that Riyadh will try to “de-escalate” tensions between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Pulwama terror attack.

Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorist has claimed the responsibility of the attack.

-Sai Kumar