New Delhi, April 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said India considers Saudi Arabia as a force of positivity and stability in the Middle East, amid wars and chaos in the region.

“We consider Saudi Arabia a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability in the region,” PM Modi told Arab News in an exclusive interview, ahead of his visit to the Muslim country.

PM Modi will arrive in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day visit, his third to the Kingdom since 2016.

The Prime Minister also described the Kingdom as ‘a trusted friend and strategic ally’, emphasising how bilateral relations had expanded significantly since the creation of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019.

“Our partnership has limitless potential. In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong as a pillar of stability. I take great pride in our relations with Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most valued partners - a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally,” said PM Modi.

PM Modi said that the growing defence and security engagement and collaboration between the two countries is a reflection of deep mutual trust.

“It is also a testament to our shared commitment to regional stability, and our mutual resolve to address the evolving challenges in our extended neighbourhood,” PM Modi said when asked about India-Saudi defence engagements and joint exercises between the two nations.

“We have seen steady progress in security cooperation. This includes areas such as counterterrorism, combating extremism, disrupting terror financing and tackling drug trafficking. We are also exploring new frontiers of cooperation in cybersecurity, recognising its growing importance in today’s interconnected world,” the Prime Minister said..

He added that both countries support deeper defence-industry collaboration, and over the past decade, defence manufacturing has taken deeper roots in India.

“There is a strong military-industrial complex with the ability to manufacture quality ammunition, small arms, tanks, armoured carriers. For the air force, we are building drones, advanced light helicopters and fighter jets. For the navy, we have the capacity to build patrol boats, submarines, and even aircraft carriers. We are not just fulfilling our own needs. India has also emerged as an important supplier of defence equipment to more than 100 countries around the world,” he said.