The Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has embarked on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, upon the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Salman.
The historic visit, Modi’s third to the Kingdom after two previous visits in 2016 and 2019, comes amid intensified high-level diplomatic engagements between Saudi Arabia and India aimed at enhancing bilateral relations across various sectors.
Modi Arrives in Jeddah
On Tuesday, Modi arrived in Jeddah, marking his first visit to the Kingdom’s commercial capital. A video footage showed Saudi fighter jets escorting Modi’s plane as it entered Saudi airspace.
#WATCH | In a special gesture, fighter planes from Saudi Arabia escort Prime Minister Narendra Modi's plane as it entered Saudi airspace to Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/Vhzxd6ir5p
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
Before leaving for Saudi Arabia, the Indian Prime Minister hailed Saudi-Indian relations, saying that New Delhi values its long and historic ties with Riyadh which “have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years.”
Modi added that both countries have fostered a “mutually beneficial and substantial partnership” in many fields, such as defense, trade, investment, energy and people-to-people ties. Furthermore, both Saudi Arabia and India “have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability,” India’s Prime Minister said.
What’s on the Agenda?
The Indian Prime Minister emphasized the significance of Saudi-Indian ties, which evolved over time into a stronger and enduring partnership, expanding into many strategic domains to include investment commitments, defense cooperation and high-level exchanges across key sectors.
During his high-profile visit to the Kingdom, Modi will co-chair the second meeting of the Saudi Arabia-India Strategic Partnership Council alongside the Saudi Crown Prince. Moreover, Modi will engage with the vibrant Indian community in the Kingdom, estimated at 2.7 million, highlighting their role in serving as a bridge between the two nations to boost cultural and human ties.
New Agreements
The visit will also witness the signing of numerous memoranda of understanding (MoUs), as well as discussions focusing on bolstering economic relations, enhancing defense cooperation and addressing regional issues, the Times of India reported citing Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan.
While in Jeddah, Modi is likely to see the signing of at least 6 MoUs, amid ongoing talks to finalize more agreements in trade, investment and defense. The new deals will cover several areas, including space, energy, health, science, culture, and advanced technology.
Both countries enjoy strong defense ties, with a defense MoU signed in 2014 to boost bilateral cooperation. The MoU has paved the way for conducting joint naval and land military exercises. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and India boast robust bilateral trade, valued at around $43 billion.
Saudi-India Strategic Partnership
In an interview with Arab News, Modi hailed ties with Saudi Arabia, describing the Kingdom as “a trusted friend, strategic ally and one of the most valued partners for India.” He emphasized that the bilateral partnership has “limitless potential.”
Moreover, the Indian Prime Minister praised the leadership of the Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, under which the Kingdom “has undergone tremendous social and economic transformation,” adding that “his insights, his forward-thinking vision, and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable.”
Modi also noted that Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a “strong advocate of our bilateral ties. He has been a great supporter of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia and our people living in Saudi Arabia deeply admire him.”
Boosting Trade Ties
Modi highlighted the vibrant trade relations between Saudi Arabia and India, particularly in sectors such as energy, agriculture and fertilizers. He pointed out that both countries are working on a Bilateral Investment Treaty to enhance business ties. He also added that the proposed Free Trade Agreement between India and GCC has massive potential to transform the Saudi-Indian economic relations.
During the G20 Summit, held in New Delhi in September 2023, Saudi Arabia, the European Union (EU), India, the UAE, France, Germany, Italy, and the US signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a grand project that will connect India to Europe via the Gulf.
Commenting on the IMEC, Modi said that this corridor will “define the future of connectivity in all forms for centuries to come,” describing it as the “the new Silk Route of the 21st century.”
