Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has successfully concluded a two-day State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, held from April 22 to 23, 2025, at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom. This marked Prime Minister Modi's third visit to the Kingdom, following his earlier trips in 2016 and 2019.
The visit reinforced the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia and underscored the shared commitment of both nations to further strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held wide-ranging discussions covering bilateral, regional, and global issues of mutual interest. The leaders reviewed progress made under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council and explored new avenues of collaboration in areas such as defence, security, energy, investment, space, technology, and healthcare.
Several new agreements and MoUs were signed during the visit, enhancing cooperation in fields including green energy, digital transformation, infrastructure development, and cultural exchange. The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating bilateral trade and investment flows, building on the momentum generated by recent high-level exchanges.
In a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit, both sides expressed satisfaction with the expanding nature of the partnership and emphasized the importance of maintaining close cooperation on regional stability, counter-terrorism efforts, and global economic challenges.
Prime Minister Modi's visit reflects India’s continued priority to deepen its engagement with Saudi Arabia, a key partner in West Asia. The successful conclusion of the visit is expected to significantly advance the strategic roadmap between the two countries and bolster their role in shaping a more secure and prosperous region. Key details of the visit are,
Bilateral Relations & Strategic Partnership
- Third visit by PM Modi to the Kingdom.
- Second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council was co-chaired.
- The Council has expanded to four Ministerial Committees: Political/Security/Cultural, Economy & Investment, Defence Cooperation, and Tourism & Culture.
Security, Defence & Counterterrorism
- Strong condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack.
- Clear stance against terrorism, cross-border terror, and misuse of drones/weapons.
- Growing defence ties: joint military exercises, staff-level talks, and defence industry collaboration.
Trade, Investment & Economy
- Saudi is India’s 5th largest trade partner (2023-24); India is Saudi’s 2nd.
- High-Level Task Force on investments made significant progress (refineries, taxation, bilateral investment treaty).
- India Desk at Saudi's Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched.
Energy & Climate Cooperation
- Strong collaboration in oil, LPG, energy reserves, refining, renewables, and energy tech.
- New focus on green/clean hydrogen, energy efficiency, and circular carbon economy.
- Acknowledgement of each other’s green initiatives: Saudi Green Initiative, International Solar Alliance, Mission LiFE, etc.
Technology & Digital
- Cooperation in AI, cybersecurity, semiconductors.
- Signed MoU between TRAI and Saudi’s communications authority.
- New space cooperation MoU for joint R&D, launches, and tech.
People-to-People Ties
- Acknowledgement of 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia.
- Successful Haj coordination appreciated.
- Plans for stronger tourism, cultural exchanges, media, entertainment, and sports ties.
Health, Education & Labour
- New Health Cooperation MoU signed.
- Extended MoU for medical product regulation.
- Saudi openness to Indian universities operating in the Kingdom.
- Ongoing collaboration in labour and human resource development.
Connectivity & Economic Corridors
- Reaffirmed commitment to India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
- Progress in electrical interconnection, shipping line expansion, and supply chains.
Global Cooperation
- Shared goals in the G20, IMF, World Bank, and Common Framework for Debt Treatment.
- Mutual efforts toward resolving the Yemen crisis.
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