Jeddah, April 22:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a crucial two-day official visit to deepen strategic cooperation, expand energy ties, and enhance economic collaboration between the two nations. Invited by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, this marks PM Modi’s first visit to Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital and his third visit to the kingdom, following trips in 2016 and 2019.
The high-profile diplomatic engagement highlights growing synergy between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly as global trade dynamics shift amid rising geopolitical uncertainty and protectionist economic policies. Modi’s visit follows the Crown Prince’s state visit to India for the G20 Summit in September 2023, further strengthening bilateral momentum.
One of the key highlights of the trip is the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, which PM Modi and the Crown Prince will co-chair. According to Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan, the two sides must sign at least six major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Tuesday. These will cover cooperation in space, energy, health, science, culture, and advanced technology, with further agreements under discussion in defense, trade, and investment sectors.
Ambassador Khan emphasized the significance of Jeddah as a historical trade link and a key hub for Indian pilgrims traveling to Mecca for Hajj and Umrah. He noted that Modi will also discuss India’s Hajj quota with the Crown Prince. India’s quota has grown to 175,025 pilgrims for 2025, up from 136,020 in 2014. However, around 42,000 Indians may miss the pilgrimage this year due to delays by Combined Haj Group Operators in finalizing necessary contracts.
Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $43 billion (2023–24), positioning both countries among each other’s top five trading partners. As Modi puts deeper energy cooperation on the table, discussions are expected to focus on transforming the traditional buyer-seller dynamic into long-term strategic collaboration. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the partnership is being reoriented toward a “strategic outlook,” with a focus on joint refinery and petrochemical ventures.
Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state-owned energy giant, has shown consistent interest in India. Though a 2019 investment plan with Reliance Industries fell through, reports suggest Aramco remains interested in acquiring stakes in Indian refinery projects. Firm commitments from this visit would represent a major win for both countries. India seeks energy security and infrastructure investment, while Saudi Arabia aims to secure long-term buyers for its oil.
Modi also highlighted interest in promoting interconnectivity via the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and discussions are ongoing for a bilateral investment treaty. Saudi Arabia’s total investments in India stand at around $10 billion, including significant stakes held by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) in Indian conglomerates like Reliance.
The scope of cooperation is also expanding into newer areas such as renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, and entertainment. India is offering technical and infrastructural expertise to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 megaprojects, especially in light of the $148 billion worth of contracts awarded by the kingdom in 2024, the highest ever in the Gulf region.
Defense collaboration is another key agenda item. Since signing a bilateral MoU in 2014, India and Saudi Arabia have conducted joint naval and land exercises, and more drills are reportedly in the pipeline. This military engagement supports broader maritime security concerns in the region, particularly in response to Houthi threats and the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
With over 2.7 million Indians residing in Saudi Arabia, the diaspora remains a crucial bridge in bilateral relationships. PM Modi’s visit is expected to not only enhance diplomatic and economic engagement but also reaffirm India’s commitment to stronger ties with the Gulf and the broader Islamic world.
