On April 22, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a significant two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, where he will meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. This visit comes at a crucial time, amid growing political instability in West Asia and escalating geopolitical tensions. The discussions during this visit are expected to focus on several key regional and global issues, from the Israel-Palestine conflict to threats to maritime security in the region, especially those posed by the Houthi attacks.
The Background and Agenda of the Visit
PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia is not only a diplomatic engagement but also an important step in strengthening India’s ties with the Gulf kingdom. This will be his third visit to Saudi Arabia, with previous visits in 2016 and 2019. It follows Crown Prince Salman’s visit to India in September 2023, during which both leaders co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
During this trip, several key areas of cooperation are expected to be discussed, including energy, defence, and trade relations. The India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council will be at the center of these discussions, focusing on enhancing cooperation in political, security, social, cultural, economic, and investment spheres. The visit will also explore the signing of key agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on green hydrogen, which aligns with both nations’ growing emphasis on clean energy.
Defence and Military Cooperation
Defence cooperation is set to play a major role in the agenda. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative have paved the way for growing military collaboration. The two countries have already conducted several joint military exercises, such as the “Sada Tanseeq” in Rajasthan and the “Al Mohed Al Hindi” naval exercise. In February 2024, India and Saudi Arabia signed their first defence contract, involving artillery shells, and both sides have indicated further military procurement deals.
The defence partnership between India and Saudi Arabia has seen several milestones, including joint military land exercises and naval operations. Both countries have emphasized the importance of strengthening their military cooperation, and this visit will likely push for further integration of their defence strategies.
Energy and Trade Cooperation
Energy remains a vital area for India-Saudi Arabia relations. Saudi Arabia has been one of India’s largest suppliers of crude oil, and discussions around energy cooperation are expected to dominate the talks. Reports suggest that Saudi Arabia might increase oil sales to India, offering discounts in light of the global surplus in crude oil and economic challenges faced by China. This deal could boost India’s energy security while providing Saudi Arabia with a larger share of India’s oil imports.
Additionally, the two countries are expected to discuss the ongoing talks for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which includes Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. This FTA has the potential to expand trade relations and strengthen economic collaboration, especially in sectors like technology, healthcare, and manufacturing.
People-to-People and Cultural Exchange
The visit will also feature people-to-people engagement, including discussions on the upcoming Hajj season and the transfer of Indian prisoners from Saudi jails. PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit a factory where Indian workers are employed, highlighting the growing ties between the two nations at the grassroots level. The two leaders will also explore collaboration on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a project that seeks to increase connectivity and trade across the region.
Strategic Vision for the Future
PM Narendra Modi’s visit is a testament to the evolving strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. Over the past decade, the relationship has moved beyond economic collaboration to include significant military and geopolitical alignment. Modi’s visit reflects India’s desire to deepen this partnership, ensuring that both nations can jointly address regional and global challenges.
PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia is an opportunity to further strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and the Gulf kingdom. From defence to energy, trade to cultural exchange, this visit is set to push forward significant agreements and collaborations. The discussions will provide a platform for both nations to assess the current state of bilateral relations and set new goals for the future, ensuring that India and Saudi Arabia remain key partners in the evolving global landscape.
