RIYADH – Saudi Arabia and India have taken significant steps to deepen bilateral relations by signing multiple agreements across various strategic sectors during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Kingdom.
According to a joint statement released on Wednesday, the two countries agreed to enhance cooperation in defense industries, energy supply, trade, and infrastructure development. The Saudi Press Agency confirmed that both sides committed to working on joint ventures in oil refineries and petrochemicals, while also exploring new opportunities in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and crude oil supply.
The leaders underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration within global forums like the G20, International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank to tackle ongoing economic challenges. They also expanded the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council, increasing its ministerial committees to four, in a move expected to further institutionalize bilateral ties.
Energy and Clean Tech Take Center Stage
Saudi Arabia and India pledged to continue their joint efforts in clean energy initiatives, including electrical interconnection and green hydrogen projects. Both sides are conducting feasibility studies to develop regional grid connectivity, which would pave the way for sustainable and secure energy exchange.
The joint statement highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring energy security for India, while India appreciated the Kingdom’s role as a stable energy supplier. The leaders also discussed plans to build two new refineries in India to strengthen energy ties and create new investment opportunities.
IMEC and Infrastructure Connectivity
The proposed India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) also featured prominently in discussions. Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, stated that both leaders supported the corridor as a transformative vision to boost regional and intercontinental trade.
“This corridor will increase the passage of goods and services, boosting trade across regions,” Khan said. Since its launch in 2023, the IMEC has gained momentum, with Saudi Arabia, India, and other partners focused on enhancing infrastructure, railways, and port links.
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Boosting Education and Innovation
Indian officials highlighted growing academic and scientific collaborations, with new institutional partnerships forming between universities and research centers in both nations. Additional Secretary Aseem Mahajan noted, “These institutional linkages are laying the foundation for long-term cooperation in education and innovation.”
The visit also produced four signed agreements covering space cooperation, healthcare, anti-doping initiatives, and postal services. The two nations also discussed collaboration on taxation policies to attract bilateral investments.
Humanitarian and Cultural Exchange
Modi also expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s care of the 2.7 million Indians living in the Kingdom. He emphasized the community’s contribution to strengthening ties between the two nations. At a gathering with the Indian diaspora, Modi received a warm welcome, with performances including the classical Kathak dance celebrating Indian culture.
On regional issues, the statement affirmed both countries’ shared commitment to achieving a peaceful resolution in Yemen. India praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to foster dialogue and reconciliation among Yemeni factions.
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