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India’s Modi hails ‘historic’ alternative to belt and road economic corridor as he cements Saudi ties

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India has hailed its “strategic” partnership with oil-rich Saudi Arabia, days after unveiling a major trade and transport route linking Europe, the Middle East and India as part of a broad alliance.
On Saturday, the pair took part alongside other G20 leaders in the unveiling of ambitious plans to create a modern-day Spice Route, boosting trade ties with potentially wide-ranging geopolitical implications.

“This corridor will not only connect the two countries, but economic cooperation, digital connectivity between Asia, West Asia and Europe,” Modi added, in talks following the end of the two-day Group of 20 summit he hosted.

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US, Russia praise G20 summit declaration as India meeting closes without Putin and China’s Xi

US, Russia praise G20 summit declaration as India meeting closes without Putin and China’s Xi

The Saudi crown prince praised “cooperation to build the future for our countries”.

Although heavily trade-focused, the scheme could have wide-ranging implications – including developing contacts between long-time foes Israel and Saudi Arabia.

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US President Joe Biden called the trade and transport scheme “historic” at the launch event.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the so-called India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor was “much more than ‘just’ a railway or a cable”.

Signatories hope it can help integrate India’s vast market of 1.4 billion people with countries to the west, offer a counterbalance to lavish Chinese infrastructure spending, boost Middle Eastern economies and help normalise relations between Israel and Gulf Arab states.

India’s Modi embraces Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman before their bilateral meeting at Hyderabad House on Monday. Photo: Saudi Press Agency/dpa

For India, the world’s most populous country, and Riyadh, the world’s biggest crude exporter, it was another step in bringing the nations closer, with bilateral trade already reaching US$42.8 billion last year, according to Saudi’s investment ministry.

Indian and Saudi companies later signed some 50 memorandums of understanding including over fuel stations, renewable energy and banking, trade officials from both countries said.

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“As two of the world’s fastest growing economies, our mutual cooperation is important for the peace and stability of the entire region,” Modi added, in footage shown on state broadcasters.

“For India, Saudi Arabia is one of most important strategic partners.”

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