India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to cooperate further in the fight against terrorism and put pressure on those countries which are supporting terror to deal with its growing threat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said.

In his press statement after talks with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in New Delhi, Mr Modi said Pulwama terror attack shows that terrorism is a threat and is against humanity.

Mr Modi said, it is necessary that terrorism and its infrastructure is wiped out and those supporting it should be punished. He said Saudi Arabia is one of the most crucial strategic partners of India.

Mr Modi said, India and Saudi Arabia have also agreed to cooperate on counter-terrorism, maritime and cybersecurity.

The Prime Minister said India and Saudi Arabia will further increase their cooperation in the defence sector and improve their economic ties.

In his press statement, Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said both countries can collaborate in several areas, including culture and agriculture. He said, his country will cooperate with India in its fight against terrorism.

Earlier, India and Saudi Arabia signed five agreements in various areas, including tourism and housing. An MoU for Cooperation on Broadcasting between Prasar Bharati and Saudi Broadcasting Corporation was also inked to exchange Audio Visual Programme.

The Crown Prince will also call on President Ram Nath Kovind this evening.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. They discussed ways to add momentum to the relationship in various fields, including trade, investment, defence, security, and regional cooperation.

The Crown Prince was accorded a ceremonial reception at the Rashtrapati Bhawan this morning.

Speaking to the media, the Crown Prince said that he wants the relationship between India and Saudi Arabia to be maintained and improved for the sake of both countries. He also expressed confidence that the leadership of the two countries can create good things for Saudi Arabia and India.

In recent years, there has been significant progress in bilateral cooperation in key areas of mutual interest.

The bilateral trade was 27.48 billion dollars during the last financial year 2017-18, making Saudi Arabia, India’s 4th largest trading partner.

Saudi Arabia contributes significantly to India’s energy security needs by supplying about 20 per cent of crude oil requirements to India.