Indian defence minister leaves for Saudi Arabia
February 13th, 2012 - 1:05 pm ICT by IANSNew Delhi, Feb 13 (IANS) Defence Minister A.K. Antony left Monday on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, the first by an Indian defence minister to the Gulf nation with whom India is developing a strategic partnership.
“This is the first time an Indian defence minister is visiting Saudi Arabia. It is an important step in strengthening our bilateral ties,” Antony told reporters on the sidelines of the Asian Security Conference before leaving for the airport.
Antony is accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma, Indian Army vice chief Lt. Gen. S.K. Singh and Indian Navy deputy chief Vice Admiral Satish Soni.
In Riyadh, Antony will hold discussions with his counterpart Prince Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, besides meeting other leaders.
“Current defence cooperation between the two countries includes training exchanges, ship visits and high level visits. Antony’s visit is expected to enable both sides to engage in discussions on areas where such cooperation can be expanded to mutual benefit,” defence ministry spokesman Sitanshu Kar said.
Antony will also interact with representatives of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
- In a first, Antony goes to Saudi Arabia on key defence visit - Feb 11, 2012
- Antony's visit: India, Saudi Arabia seek stronger ties - Feb 15, 2012
- India, Saudi Arabia to set up joint defence panel (Lead) - Feb 15, 2012
- Saudi offer to hike crude exports to India - Feb 14, 2012
- Antony leaves for Japan to further defence relations - Nov 01, 2011
- India flags maritime troubles with China at meet with Japan - Nov 03, 2011
- Antony to visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar - May 04, 2011
- China's military spending matter of concern, says Antony (Lead) - Jun 02, 2012
- No action taken on troops' movement to Delhi: Antony - Apr 30, 2012
- Riyadh governor to arrive in India Sunday - Apr 10, 2010
- India-Saudi ties get boost with Riyadh governor's visit (Lead) - Apr 14, 2010
- Parliament panel slams media report on troop movement - Apr 30, 2012
- January troop mobilisation purely for training: Antony - Apr 26, 2012
- India offers to strengthen Kyrgyz armed forces - Sep 09, 2011
- Visiting Saudi governor invites Indian investment - Apr 12, 2010
Tags: al saud, asian security, bilateral ties, defence cooperation, defence minister, defence ministry spokesman, defence secretary, indian army, indian defence, indian navy, level delegation, mutual benefit, saudi arabia, security conference, shashi, ship visits, soni, strategic partnership, vice admiral, vice chief