Historic Ties with Strategic Momentum

India and Saudi Arabia share a relationship rooted in history and cultural ties, which in recent years have expanded into a robust strategic partnership. Highlighting this, PM Modi remarked, “India deeply values its long-standing and historic ties with Saudi Arabia, which have acquired strategic depth and momentum. Our partnership spans diverse sectors including defence, trade, investment, energy and vibrant people-to-people connections.”

This visit marks PM Modi's third to Saudi Arabia in the last decade, and his first to the historic city of Jeddah, a key economic and cultural hub.

2nd Strategic Partnership Council: Shaping the Future

A pivotal feature of this visit is PM Modi’s participation in the 2nd Meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council. The council, established to institutionalise high-level engagement between the two nations, aims to review progress and identify new avenues for cooperation. Key focus areas include:

• Defence collaboration and security cooperation
• Energy transition and renewable energy projects
• Digital economy, AI and emerging technologies
• Critical infrastructure and investment flows

PM Modi emphasised the intent to build upon the successful 2023 visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India, which significantly advanced bilateral cooperation.

Global and Regional Issues on the Table

During his interactions with Saudi leadership, PM Modi is expected to discuss regional and global developments. Key agenda items include:

• Middle East peace and stability
• Counter-terrorism and intelligence cooperation
• Maritime security and Indo-Pacific strategies
• Climate action and energy security

The convergence between India and Saudi Arabia on geopolitical issues, including shared goals for energy diversification and sustainable development, remains a cornerstone of their strategic partnership.

Engaging the Indian Diaspora: The Living Bridge

An important element of PM Modi's visit will be his interaction with the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. With over 2.5 million Indians residing in the Kingdom, they play a crucial role in deepening cultural and economic linkages between the two nations. “I am eager to connect with our Indian brothers and sisters in Saudi Arabia who serve as a living bridge between our nations,” PM Modi noted.

 Expanding Horizons: From Energy to Defence

India-Saudi Arabia relations have transformed from a predominantly energy-based connection to a broad-based strategic alliance. Key developments include:

• Defence cooperation and joint military exercises
• Intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism collaboration
• Space research partnerships and satellite launches
• Trade and investment flows, with Saudi Arabia among India's top energy suppliers

This visit is set to further reaffirm and expand the strategic convergence between India and Saudi Arabia, laying the groundwork for deeper collaborations that will shape not just bilateral relations but also the broader regional and global landscape.