Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is arriving in
New Delhi this afternoon on a three-day visit.

This will be crown prince
Salman's second visit to India. He had come in April 2010 when he was
governor of Riyadh province. Mr. Al Saud who is also Deputy Prime Minister
and Defence Minister will hold bilateral talks with the Vice President
Mohd. Hamid Ansari. During his stay, the Crown Prince will also call on
President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Our correspondent reports that both the countries have witnessed
significant progress in bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual
interest, including energy security, trade and infrastructure development
projects.

Saudi Arabia is India's fourth largest trade partner with bilateral
trade reaching at 43 billion dollars in 2012-13. It is also India's
largest crude oil supplier accounting for about one-fifth of its total
imports .

Saudi Arabia is exploring the potential of a Joint holding company based in New Delhi and a defence co-operation agreement is in the cards.India is looking forward to increased investment in its infrastructure sector projects. Indians form the largest expatriate
community in Saudi Arabia.

The Experts of Gulf Affairs opines that Crown Prince visit will make significant progress in bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest, including energy security, trade and infrastructure development projects.