Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, marked a significant milestone in the deepening of the India–Saudi Arabia strategic relationship. Hosted by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, the visit reaffirmed the robust and growing partnership between the two regional powers.
The highlight of the visit was the co-chairing of the Second Meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) by Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Council, established to provide a high-level institutional framework to steer bilateral relations, reviewed major developments and forged new directions in bilateral cooperation.
A Stronger Security Bond
The visit began with a warm ceremonial welcome at the Royal Palace in Jeddah, underscoring the importance Riyadh attaches to its ties with New Delhi. In a key moment reflecting shared security concerns, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman strongly condemned the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, expressing condolences for the victims. Both leaders pledged to intensify counter-terrorism cooperation and jointly combat extremist threats, emphasizing zero tolerance towards terrorism.
Strategic and Economic Convergence
The leaders reviewed substantial progress since the last SPC meeting held in New Delhi in September 2023. They acknowledged the increased tempo of high-level ministerial engagements and institutional dialogue, which has contributed to deepening mutual trust and sectoral alignment.
Energy, defence, trade, investment, and technological collaboration remained high on the agenda. Of particular importance was the progress made by the High-Level Task Force on Investment, with both sides reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest USD 100 billion in India across diverse sectors such as petrochemicals, infrastructure, digital infrastructure, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
Notably, an agreement to collaborate on the establishment of two oil refineries in India marks a strategic move towards energy security and industrial growth. PM Modi also proposed enhancing economic integration by connecting national payment gateways and enabling trade settlements in local currencies, a move aligned with India’s push for de-dollarization in bilateral trade.
Connectivity and Global Cooperation
Both leaders reviewed the progress of the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), highlighting its strategic potential in enhancing regional connectivity. They also exchanged views on regional stability and key international developments, reinforcing the shared vision for a multipolar and rules-based global order.
Institutional Strengthening of the SPC
In a major institutional expansion, the leaders established two new Ministerial Committees under the SPC:
- A Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation to institutionalize and expand joint defence initiatives.
- A Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Culture Cooperation, recognizing the growing scope of cultural exchange and soft power diplomacy.
The Minutes of the Second SPC were signed by both leaders following the talks, underlining the seriousness of commitment and shared accountability in implementing the roadmap.
New Agreements Signed
The visit also witnessed the signing of four bilateral agreements, enhancing cooperation in the domains of Space, Health, Sports (Anti-Doping), and Postal Services—indicative of the broadening base of the partnership beyond traditional domains.
Diaspora and Religious Diplomacy
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude for the welfare measures extended to the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom and thanked the Saudi leadership for facilitating Indian Haj pilgrims—an important element of India’s diplomatic engagement with Islamic nations.
Future Trajectory
In closing, Prime Minister Modi extended a formal invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit India for the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, setting the stage for continued high-level dialogue and cooperation.
The visit firmly situates the India–Saudi Arabia relationship as a vital pillar in India’s extended neighborhood strategy and West Asia outreach. With economic, strategic, and cultural ties expanding in tandem, the partnership is poised to shape the regional architecture and contribute meaningfully to global multilateralism.
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