JEDDAH. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a state visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reinforcing the deep bilateral partnership between New Delhi and Riyadh. The visit, Modi’s third to the Kingdom, followed Crown Prince Mohammed’s trip to India in September 2023 for the G20 Summit. Held at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, the discussions focused on advancing cooperation in defense, energy, trade, investment, technology, and culture, while addressing shared regional and global concerns.
Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), reviewing progress since its inception in 2023. The SPC expanded with two new ministerial committees on Defense Cooperation and Tourism and Cultural Cooperation, reflecting the growing scope of ties. Both leaders signed the minutes of the meeting, expressing satisfaction with advancements in political, security, economic, and cultural collaboration.
Strengthening the Strategic Partnership
Economic and Investment Growth: Bilateral trade continues to thrive, with India as Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner and Saudi Arabia as India’s fifth in 2023-2024. The High-Level Task Force (HLTF), established in 2024, advanced Saudi investments in India’s energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, and technology sectors, including agreements for two refineries. The launch of an India Desk at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) was noted as a facilitator for investment. Both sides aim to expedite negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Treaty.
Energy and Climate Collaboration: The leaders emphasized stabilizing global oil markets and enhancing energy security, including India’s Strategic Reserve Program. Cooperation in green hydrogen, renewable energy, and grid connectivity was prioritized, with support for Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative and India’s International Solar Alliance. A joint study on electrical interconnection was highlighted as a step toward sustainable energy ties.
Defense and Security Ties: The new Ministerial Committee on Defense Cooperation builds on joint exercises like SADA TANSEEQ (land forces) and AL MOHED AL HINDI (naval). Both nations condemned the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, reaffirming their commitment to counter-terrorism and dismantling cross-border terror networks.
People-to-People Bonds: India expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support of its 2.7 million diaspora and facilitation of Haj and Umrah pilgrims. Cultural cooperation expanded through agreements on tourism, heritage, and media, with a focus on sustainable tourism.
Signed Agreements: Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering space cooperation, health, postal services, and anti-doping efforts, signaling collaboration in critical and emerging sectors.
- MoU between Department of Space, India, and Saudi Space Agency in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes.
- MoU between Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Republic of India and Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia & on Cooperation in the Field of Health.
- Bilateral Agreement between Department of Posts, India and Saudi Post Corporation (SPL) for inward foreign surface parcel.
- MOU between National Anti-Doping Agency of India (NADA), India, and Saudi Arabia Anti-Doping Committee (SAADC) for cooperation in the field of anti-doping and prevention.
Regional and Global Engagement
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, signed in 2023, to enhance trade and connectivity. They supported a political resolution to the Yemen crisis, with India commending Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts. Cooperation in international forums like the G20 and IMF was emphasized to address global economic challenges.
Modi congratulated Saudi Arabia on securing World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034, while Crown Prince Mohammed praised India’s economic growth and Viksit Bharat vision for 2047. As Saudi Arabia advances Vision 2030, both nations committed to sustained high-level engagements to deepen their “historic friendship” and partnership for progress.
Modi thanked Crown Prince Mohammed for the warm hospitality, extending best wishes for Saudi Arabia’s prosperity. The Crown Prince reciprocated, wishing continued progress for India. The next SPC meeting will be scheduled mutually, ensuring ongoing collaboration across sectors.
This visit underscores India and Saudi Arabia’s shared commitment to a strategic partnership that balances economic ambition, security cooperation, and cultural ties in a dynamic global landscape.