India has emerged stronger: Modi

RIYADH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived here on Saturday on his maiden two-day visit, which aims to bolster bilateral ties and strategic partnership to further enhance security and counterterrorism cooperation.

Modi will hold talks with Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman on Sunday on a range of subjects and international issues of mutual concern following which both sides are expected to sign a number of MoUs.
Modi will also meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Naif and Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss issues of mutual interests.
On Saturday, Modi held a meeting with about 500 members of the Indian community at the InterContinental Hotel, where he said that the ongoing economic development in India is well acknowledged worldwide and Indians can contribute handsomely to the homeland as well as other parts of the world, which now look upon India with expectations.
He said the time is gone when India was treated as one of the many countries on the world map. “India has now emerged as a powerful country and the economy is doing well despite the global slowdown.”
Aware of the rich Indian diaspora with the huge presence of Indian Muslims in the Kingdom, Modi reiterated his election promise of inclusive growth in India saying his government is committed to it, as it will help take India to new highs.
Modi later visited the historic Masmak Museum. Earlier, upon arrival at King Khalid International Airport, Modi was received by Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar and a number of senior officials.