Saudi crown prince lauds centuries-old ties with India

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman interacts with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, right, and President Ram Nath Kovind during a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. Prince Mohammed arrived in India after visiting Pakistan, which New Delhi blames for a suicide bombing attack last week that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers in disputed Kashmir. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomes Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman with a hug, as Indian President Ram Nath Kovind stands beside them during a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019. Prince Mohammed arrived in India after visiting Pakistan, which New Delhi blames for a suicide bombing attack last week that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers in disputed Kashmir. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

NEW DELHI – Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman says his visit to India will improve centuries-old ties, which he says are "in our DNA."

In brief remarks at the president's palace where he was given a ceremonial welcome, the crown prince did not make any reference to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.

He arrived in India on Tuesday night after visiting Pakistan, which New Delhi blames for a suicide bombing last week that killed at least 40 Indian soldiers in disputed Kashmir.

Prince Mohammed is due to hold talks with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the two sides are expected to sign agreements for promoting investment, tourism, housing and communications.

The countries' two-way trade totaled $27.5 billion last year.