New Delhi
Prime Minister Modi’s official entourage touched town Buenos Aires on Thursday where he will be participating in the G20 summit that will take stock of the grouping and its achievements of the past decade since its inception to fight the 2008 economic recession.

Among his first engagements later on Wednesday late night , the Prime Minister will hold a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. The controversial Prince has been blamed by CIA for the brutal murder of dissident and journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, a charge the Kingdom denies. However, with focus on global oil prices and impact of volatility on Indian domestic economy, Modi’s meeting with Salman assumes significance as US pressure continues on New Delhi to reduce oil imports from Tehran.

“In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been a valuable partner. The relationship has expanded beyond the Indian community to issues related to the economy, energy and security. All issues of bilateral and regional interest will be discussed,” said an official source.

Later, PM Modi will also hold a separate bilateral pull aside with United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres . India is keen to flag climate change and sustainable development goals at G20 and advocate that the group of 20 largest economies in the world not be reduced to single agenda of trade war.

India has circulated a draft concept note on Disaster Resilient Infrastructure for G20 members to help any affected country in wake of a natural calamity with capacity building and technology know how. “You are aware of the importance that both leaders give to the issue of climate change. This outreach comes just a week before COP24 in Katowice, Poland. It reflects the respect in which PM and his initiatives are held globally to take the lead on issues of global importance,” added an official.