Saudi Crown Prince and Donald TrumpImage Credit source: Win McNamee/Getty Images

The new warmth in relations between America and Saudi Arabia was clearly visible when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman landed in Washington after 7 years. He last went to America in 2018. President Donald Trump gave him such a royal welcome that the entire White House glowed. To welcome MBS, a red carpet was spread, military band played, fighter jets did a flypast in the sky and a grand dinner was organized in the East Room.

Trump went so far that he even gave a clean chit to Prince Salman in the murder case of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Trump said that the Crown Prince did not know anything about it, and why embarrass the guest by raising such issues. But the most important thing is that during this high-profile meeting, both the countries signed many big defense and economic agreements. Let us know what deals were done? What major decisions were taken?

1. F-35 fighter jet deal sealed

The biggest attraction of this meeting was the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets. Trump had already hinted, and now he gave formal approval during the meeting. F-35 is America’s most advanced 5th generation fighter aircraft. Its construction started in 2006 and since 2015 it is considered the backbone of the US Air Force. It is also the most expensive and high-tech jet in the history of the Pentagon. But not everyone is happy with this deal. The Pentagon and several US agencies have expressed concern because Saudi Arabia has deep ties with China, and there are fears that its secret technology may reach there.

On the other hand, this decision is also a big change for Israel, which till now was the only country in the Middle East to have F-35. Israel clearly wants that if F-35s are given to Saudi Arabia, then in return it should join the Abraham Accords and formally normalize relations with Israel. And almost the same thing happened.

2. Saudi ready to join Abraham Accord but…

During the meeting with Trump, Prince Salman clearly said that Saudi Arabia is ready to join the Abraham Accords, but with a big condition. The condition is that a clear and credible roadmap for a two-state solution for Palestine should be prepared. While talking to the media, Prince Salman said that his and Trump’s discussion on this issue was very positive. Both the countries will together try to create such an environment in which it will be easier to move forward in this direction. However, he did not say when Saudi Arabia would join the Abraham Accords.

3. Tank, Nuclear and Security Agreements

Both the countries also took these big steps further. For example, an agreement to buy about 300 tanks from America, agreement on a civilian nuclear deal, on which Israel is also eyeing, and a comprehensive security and military cooperation agreement. Trump has announced that Saudi Arabia is being given the status of Major Non-NATO Ally by America. Under this, America will increase military cooperation with Saudi Arabia, share intelligence information and provide easy access to defense technology and weapons. This is not a formal treaty and it can be withdrawn if needed. Currently only 19 countries in the world have received this recognition.

4. 1 trillion dollar investment plan

Prince Salman told Trump that Saudi Arabia will increase its investment in America from $ 600 billion to $ 1 trillion (about ₹ 86 lakh crore). This may include big investments in Artificial Intelligence, stake in American companies, purchase of jet engines and other high-tech equipment. The details of these deals are expected to be revealed soon.