This refers to the editorial, “Expansive relationship” (April 5). India's ties with Saudi Arabia was until now hinged on oil, petrochemicals and labour. The so-called ‘non-oil’ trade had received little attention due to varied reasons. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's just concluded visit to Saudi Arabia has changed that, carrying the bilateral goodwill to a new level.
New Delhi's focus on security and defence has been a revelation and has surprised political viewers in the Gulf region. Though Saudi Arabia has no significant military ambition, its augmented stabilisation of security ties with India can ruffle some feathers in Islamabad. It is also a subtle signal to Pakistan about a new New Delhi-Riyadh equation.
The rich Indian labour force in Saudi Arabia requires a far better deal from the Saudi Government and Modi has firmly driven home this point to King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The agreements signed by both the heads of the Government augur well for defence security and manpower exchange between the two nations.