On April 22, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi embarked on a significant State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the deep-rooted and ever-expanding relationship between the two nations. Prime Minister Modi was warmly received at the Royal Palace in Jeddah by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, where he was accorded a ceremonial welcome—symbolizing the mutual respect and strategic importance the two countries place on their partnership.
High-Level Talks and Strategic Council Meeting
The key highlight of the visit was the second meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), jointly chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Established to strengthen cooperation across vital sectors, the council assessed the significant progress achieved since its inaugural session in September 2023 in New Delhi. Both leaders noted the growing mutual trust, frequent high-level ministerial interactions, and a shared strategic vision that have propelled the partnership forward.
Condemnation of Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a display of solidarity, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman strongly condemned the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which recently claimed the lives of 26 tourists. He extended heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families and expressed Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to stand with India in the fight against terrorism. Both leaders resolved to combat terrorism in all its forms, reaffirming that such acts of violence cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Expanding Bilateral Cooperation
Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Salman engaged in comprehensive discussions to enhance collaboration across key sectors, including:
- Energy – with a focus on oil refineries and clean energy initiatives
- Defence and Security – particularly through the establishment of a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation
- Trade and Investment – including a shared ambition to enhance bilateral trade and explore local currency settlement mechanisms
- Technology and Fintech – paving the way for innovative collaborations
- Culture and Tourism – leading to the creation of a Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation
- People-to-People Ties – with appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s support to Indian nationals and Haj pilgrims
Investment Commitments and Economic Progress
The leaders reviewed the substantial progress made by the High-Level Task Force on Investment, particularly in realizing Saudi Arabia’s pledged investment of USD 100 billion in India. These investments span diverse sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, and healthcare. Of particular note was the agreement to collaborate on two oil refineries in India, which is poised to enhance India’s energy security and industrial growth.
Additionally, taxation issues that had previously posed barriers to investment were addressed constructively, reflecting the maturity and forward momentum in economic relations.
Focus on Connectivity: IMEEC and Beyond
A key subject of discussion was the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). The two leaders reviewed ongoing bilateral connectivity projects under this initiative and stressed the importance of regional cooperation to facilitate seamless trade, transport, and economic integration across continents.
Agreements and MoUs: A New Era of Cooperation
The visit also marked the signing of four pivotal bilateral agreements in the fields of:
- Space Cooperation
- Health and Medical Collaboration
- Sports (Anti-Doping Initiatives)
- Postal and Digital Communication
These agreements underscore the broad-based nature of the India-Saudi partnership and the growing synergy between the two countries.
Looking Ahead
Prime Minister Modi expressed gratitude to His Royal Highness for his continued support to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia and extended a formal invitation for Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit India for the 3rd meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council.
The visit concluded with the signing of the official minutes of the second SPC meeting, marking a significant step in strengthening the India-Saudi Arabia partnership—built on mutual respect, common objectives, and a shared vision for peace and prosperity.
This historic State Visit not only reaffirmed existing ties but also opened new doors for deeper engagement across multiple sectors, paving the way for an enduring and dynamic strategic partnership.
