Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman are delivering a joint statement after holding delegation-level talks on ways to further deepen strategic ties. The crown prince, who wants to persuade the world's fastest growing major economy to consume more Saudi oil, was greeted at the airport last night by Modi, who gave his traditional bear hug for honoured guests. Objecting to the grand welcome, the Congress on Wednesday tweeted, “By breaking protocol and welcoming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman with such abundance - only hours after he promised billions to Pakistan - PM Modi has shown the country, the martyrs and every soldier in India what he thinks of their service & sacrifice.”

It is to be noted that in the latest showdown between the nuclear-armed neighbours, which is causing mounting international concern, is expected to figure prominently in Prince Mohammed's talks with Modi. on Monday Saudi minister of state Adel al-Jubeir had said in Islamabad "Our objective is to try to de-escalate tensions between the two countries, neighbouring countries, and to see if there is a path forward to resolving those differences peacefully,".

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Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan offered on Tuesday to investigate the attack if India provided proof of its involvement — but said his country would retaliate if attacked. India rebuffed Khan's comments and called in turn for "credible and visible action" to rein in militants. Washington threw its weight behind India Tuesday, pressing Pakistan to punish those behind the Pulwama attack. 

Saudi Arabia currently supplies about 20 percent of India's crude oil and wants to definitively push aside arch-rival Iran as a source. Iran at one stage last year overtook Saudi Arabia among India's suppliers but US sanctions since have severely hit the Islamic Republic's oil business. 

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