India-Saudi Arabia Relations: A Trusted Strategic Partnership
The PM Modi Saudi Arabia visit on April 22, 2025, marked a new chapter in Indo-Saudi relations. Referring to Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman as “my brother,” PM Modi described the Kingdom as a “trusted friend, strategic ally, and one of India’s most valued partners.”
India and Saudi Arabia have long shared strong ties, with deep cooperation in energy, trade, culture, and the Indian diaspora. The visit came at a time of geopolitical flux, reinforcing India’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with key West Asian nations.
PM Modi’s Grand Arrival in Jeddah: A Ceremonial Welcome
Upon landing in Jeddah, Prime Minister Modi’s aircraft, Air India One, was escorted by Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets—a high diplomatic honor reserved for the Kingdom’s closest allies.
He was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and greeted with patriotic chants of “Saare Jahan Se Achha” by Indian expatriates. A ceremonial reception followed at Al Salam Palace, highlighting the importance Saudi Arabia attached to the visit.
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Key Agreements Signed During the PM Modi Saudi Arabia Visit
Despite a shortened itinerary due to a terror attack in Kashmir, the visit resulted in significant strategic outcomes:
🔹 Four Major Agreements Signed
- Defence and Space Cooperation
- Educational Collaboration
- Healthcare System Strengthening
- Media and Communications Partnership
In addition, both countries agreed to establish two refineries in India, marking a significant step in deepening energy and industrial collaboration.
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Why PM Modi’s Saudi Trip Was Strategically Important
The visit comes amid shifting dynamics in West Asia, where India seeks to counterbalance China’s growing footprint. Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030, aims to diversify its economy—making India a vital partner in tech, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, and fintech.
Key Points:
- Saudi Arabia pledged $100 billion in investments across sectors.
- Defence cooperation expanded through a new joint ministerial committee.
- The India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) met for the second time.
What the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council Achieved
PM Modi and the Crown Prince co-chaired the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, created during Modi’s 2019 visit. The council evaluated the progress of several committees working on:
- Political and security cooperation
- Trade and investment
- Technology and energy
- Agriculture, culture, and diaspora affairs
“We consider Saudi Arabia a force of positivity and stability in the region,” PM Modi said in an interview to Arab News.
Refinery Projects, Defence Ties, and Investment Commitments
The two countries agreed to collaborate on two refinery projects in India—a major development in their energy partnership. Discussions also included defence production and joint training programs.
The Joint High-Level Task Force on Investment identified multiple sectors to accelerate Saudi investments in:
- Digital infrastructure
- Petrochemicals and manufacturing
- Telecommunications
- Pharmaceuticals
- Fintech and AI
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How PM Modi Strengthened People-to-People and Religious Ties
With over 2.5 million Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia, the diaspora remains a crucial pillar of bilateral relations. Though his meeting with Indian workers and community leaders was cancelled due to the terror attack, PM Modi was expected to push for:
- Higher Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims
- Better working conditions for Indian expatriates
- Enhanced cultural exchange and student scholarships
Condemnation of Terrorism: Saudi Arabia Stands with India
Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman extended full solidarity with India over the terrorist attack in Kashmir that killed 26 people, many of them tourists. He condemned the violence and assured that Saudi Arabia stands ready to support India in combating extremism.
PM Modi, after briefing Home Minister Amit Shah, cut his trip short and called for a top-level security review upon returning to New Delhi.
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What’s Next After PM Modi’s Saudi Arabia Visit?
The visit laid a robust foundation for future collaboration across strategic sectors. The coming months could witness:
- A comprehensive energy partnership roadmap
- Increased defence exchanges and arms procurement talks
- Launch of India-Saudi Tech Corridors
- Boost in tourism and aviation routes
India also aims to capitalize on Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund for infrastructure and smart city development.
Conclusion: PM Modi Saudi Arabia Visit Strengthens Bilateral Vision
Despite the tragic circumstances that shortened his visit, PM Modi’s Saudi Arabia engagement proved to be diplomatically fruitful. The tone of the visit—warm, forward-looking, and strategic—highlighted the evolving nature of Indo-Saudi relations, transitioning from transactional oil trade to long-term strategic synergy.
With four new MoUs, bold investment pledges, and high-level dialogues, the PM Modi Saudi Arabia visit affirms that this partnership is no longer just regional—it’s global in ambition.