Saudi Arabia, India expand ties with new energy, strategic cooperation
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Saudi Arabia and India have announced a broad-based expansion of their bilateral cooperation, signing multiple agreements and reaffirming shared positions on key regional and global issues. The developments were formalized in a joint statement following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Kingdom earlier this week.
According to the Saudi Press Agency, the two nations agreed to deepen collaboration in defense industries, energy, petrochemicals and infrastructure. This includes joint ventures in oil refineries and the continued supply of crude and liquefied petroleum gas to India.
A key highlight was the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council, which will now encompass four ministerial-level committees. The leaders also underlined the importance of enhanced cooperation at international forums, including the G20, IMF and World Bank, to collectively tackle global economic challenges.
In regional diplomacy, the two sides reaffirmed their support for a political resolution in Yemen. The Indian side commended Saudi Arabia’s efforts in facilitating dialogue among Yemeni parties.
The joint statement also acknowledged the role of the Indian diaspora, with Modi expressing gratitude for the Kingdom’s continued care of over 2.7 million Indian nationals residing in Saudi Arabia.
During a press briefing in Riyadh, Indian officials highlighted progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), launched in 2023. The initiative, involving partners including Saudi Arabia and India, is expected to significantly boost intercontinental trade through enhanced infrastructure links such as railways and ports.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, noted that the IMEC would “increase the passage of goods and services, boosting trade across regions,” while Additional Secretary Aseem Mahajan emphasized growing educational and scientific cooperation, with institutional partnerships developing new academic programs.
Four new agreements were also signed covering cooperation in space research, healthcare, postal services and anti-doping standards. The two countries also pledged to explore new initiatives in green hydrogen and electrical interconnection, with a feasibility study on cross-border grid connectivity underway.
On the economic front, Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its position as India’s fourth-largest trading partner. Both nations committed to diversifying trade and facilitating investment through updated taxation agreements.
Prime Minister Modi concluded his visit by addressing members of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, receiving a warm reception.