India and Saudi Arabia Strengthen Ties: Vision 2030 and Viksit Bharat 2047
On Wednesday, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the complementary opportunities between Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” and India’s “Viksit Bharat 2047” during a meeting with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The meeting took place at Hyderabad House in New Delhi as part of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
Historic Friendship and Future Focus
Jaishankar emphasized the long-standing friendship between the two nations, rooted in centuries-old economic, social, and cultural ties. He noted that the partnership is focused on progress and the future, with trade and investment as key pillars. Areas of collaboration include technology, energy, renewable energy, connectivity, health, and education.
Defence and Security Cooperation
The minister pointed out significant advancements in defence cooperation, including the first land forces joint exercise in 2024 and joint naval exercises. Security collaboration has also increased, focusing on counterterrorism, combating extremism, and drug trafficking.
Indian Diaspora and Cultural Exchange
Jaishankar expressed gratitude to Prince Faisal for the welfare of the 2.6 million-strong Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. He also welcomed efforts to promote culture, tourism, and youth exchanges, seeing potential in media and entertainment.
Prince Faisal’s visit to India was part of a two-day trip, during which he engaged in high-level discussions to further strengthen bilateral ties.
Doubts Revealed
Vision 2030 -: Vision 2030 is a plan by Saudi Arabia to make their country better by the year 2030. They want to improve their economy, create more jobs, and make life better for their people.
Viksit Bharat 2047 -: Viksit Bharat 2047 is India’s plan to become a developed country by the year 2047, which will be 100 years after India became independent. The plan focuses on improving the economy, technology, and living standards for all Indians.
External Affairs Minister -: The External Affairs Minister is a person in the Indian government who is responsible for managing India’s relationships with other countries. S Jaishankar is the current External Affairs Minister of India.
Saudi Foreign Minister -: The Saudi Foreign Minister is a person in the Saudi Arabian government who handles the country’s relationships with other nations. Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud is the current Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia.
Indian diaspora -: The Indian diaspora refers to people from India who live in other countries around the world. They often maintain cultural and family ties with India while contributing to the societies they live in.