'Saudi crucial for stability in Middle East': Jaishankar holds talks with counterpart

NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar held bilateral talks with Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on Wednesday. "Saudi Arabia, we recognise, is a very important factor of stability in the region. The situation in West Asia is a matter of deep concern for us, particularly the conflict in Gaza. India's position in this regard has been principled and consistent. While we condemn acts of terrorism and hostage-taking, we are deeply pained by the continuing deaths of innocent civilians," Jaishankar said."Our partnership is premised on progress and focused on the future. Today, I am glad to host you and your delegation to the second meeting of the Committee on Political Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation under our Strategic Partnership Council. We have maintained a good tempo of high-level engagements and coordination across the multilateral forum," he added.Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud emphasized the importance of coordination between the two nations, noting that they would "continue to align our positions on issues of shared concern, especially as they pertain to international peace, security and economic development."