India, Saudi set to sign 10 pacts on cooperation

India and Saudi Arabia today finalised 10 pacts, including an Extradition Treaty and agreements in the economic sphere, for signing during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s ongoing visit to this oil-rich country.

Singh, the first Indian prime minister to visit Saudi Arabia in 28 years, will meet King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud later in the evening and hold wide-ranging talks on issues ranging from cooperation in various areas, situation in Afghanistan and the threat of terrorism. Singh has expressed keenness to impart “strategic character” to India-Saudi Arabia ties and the agreements are expected to give a major fillip to the relations.

Besides the Extradition Treaty, the two sides will sign an Agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Prisoners and Agreement on setting up Joint Investment Fund. Singh and King Abdullah will also hold talks on opening “new frontiers” of cooperation in various areas including security and defence.