Indian PM Modi to discuss investment, security during first Saudi visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi plans to discuss key issues related to counterterrorism, security and investment during his inaugural visit to Saudi Arabia.

Modi, who landed in Riyadh on Saturday, met about 500 members of the Indian community at the InterContinental Hotel.

“India has now emerged as a powerful country and the economy is doing well despite the global slowdown,” he told them.

The PM also visited Indian workers who are helping build Riyadh’s metro rail.

Eating together, hearing each other’s thoughts & experiences…at L&T Workers’ Residential Complex in Saudi Arabia. pic.twitter.com/MaiXqTJ3Cm

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 2, 2016

On Sunday, he is expected to hold meetings with King Salman, crown prince Mohammad Bin Naif, deputy crown prince Mohammad Bin Salman and Saudi business leaders.

The leaders are anticipated to discuss issues related to counter-terrorism and security cooperation.

Modi is also hoping to push for Saudi investments in India and boost bilateral economic ties between the nations.

According to reports, the two countries are aiming to sign deals to promote trade and technology and security.

Saudi is home to 2.96 million Indians – the kingdom’s largest expatriate community. The kingdom is also India’s fourth largest trading partner and its top energy supplier.

Modi’s two-day visit is the fourth by any Indian PM to the kingdom and comes after Manmohan Singh’s visit in 2010.