Summary:
New Delhi, Sep 19 (PTI) The developments in Afghanistan and ways to further expand bilateral ties in areas of defence, trade, investment and energy were the key focus of the wide-ranging talks between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his visiting Saudi counterpart Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud on Sunday.
After the talks, Jaishankar described the meeting as "cordial and productive" and he had a "very useful exchange" of views with Al Saud on Afghanistan, the Gulf region and the Indo-Pacific.
The external affairs minister said on Twitter that he urged early resumption of direct flights to Saudi Arabia and that it was agreed to work closely on all Covid-related challenges.
Al Saud arrived here on Saturday evening on a three-day visit, in the first ministerial trip from Saudi Arabia to India since the outbreak of the pandemic.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the two sides deliberated on the developments in Afghanistan and explored ways to deepen ties in areas of defence, trade, investment and energy.
It said Jaishankar called for further relaxation in restrictions on travel from India to the Gulf nation while appreciating the country for the support provided to the Indian community during the Covid-19 pandemic.