Crown Prince orders release of 850 Indians from Saudi jails

February 21, 2019 01:23

Saudi Arabis' Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Wednesday ordered the release of 850 Indian prisoners lodged in his country's jails on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's request as the two leaders held extensive talks in New Delhi, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

After the talks, it was also announced that India has decided to extend e-Visa facility to Saudi nationals.

In an important development, Saudi Arabia also joined the International Solar Alliance, a move welcomed by the prime minister, MEA officials said.

Both sides noted the potential of cooperation in the renewable energy sector, not only in investment but also in research and development, a joint statement issued after the talks said.

In another significant move, Saudi Arabia has also agreed to resolve issues relating to Indian workers who are currently stranded in the kingdom due to the closure of a foreign company, T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations) in the MEA, said. -- PTI

IMAGE: President Ram Nath Kovind hosted a banquet for Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Wednesday and said India wishes to be a partner in the gulf nation's 'Vision 2030'. Welcoming the crown prince, who is on his first state visit to India, Kovind said India cherishes its cordial and friendly relations with Saudi Arabia and considers the Gulf region as its extended neighbourhood.

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