In a moment of warm diplomacy and shared purpose, Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a significant state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, upon the gracious invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. This visit marked a reaffirmation of the deep and enduring relationship between the two nations—a bond built on decades of mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation.
The visit symbolized more than just diplomatic formalities. It was a powerful expression of trust and a shared ambition for progress, as the two leaders engaged in extensive talks aimed at elevating the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership. From defense to education, trade to energy, technology to culture, the breadth of the discussions underscored the wide-ranging nature of the partnership and the collective will to turn intent into impactful outcomes.
During his visit, Prime Minister Modi joined Prince Mohammed bin Salman to co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made since their last meeting in 2023, especially in strengthening cooperation across key sectors through high-level ministerial committees. The council was expanded to include defense and cultural cooperation, marking a significant evolution in the depth of bilateral engagement.
One of the most heartfelt aspects of the visit was India’s gratitude towards Saudi Arabia for the care and support extended to the 2.7 million Indians living in the Kingdom—a living bridge between the two countries. The successful management of the Haj pilgrimage in 2024 and seamless coordination in facilitating pilgrims also drew praise.
Economic collaboration stood as a central theme, with both countries reaffirming their commitment to bolstering trade and investment. Notable was the momentum generated by the High-Level Task Force, established in 2024 to promote mutual investments, which reached promising understandings in several sectors, including the establishment of two refineries and cooperation on tax matters. These efforts signal a future filled with joint industrial growth and shared prosperity.
Energy security and sustainable development found strong resonance in the bilateral talks. Both sides committed to stable oil markets, joint projects in energy, and innovation in renewables and hydrogen technologies. They also reinforced their resolve to tackle climate change through collaborative strategies and praised each other’s green initiatives, like India’s International Solar Alliance and Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiatives.
Defence and security cooperation received a considerable boost, especially with new milestones such as the first-ever joint land exercises and expanded naval engagements. There was also a firm and unified condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, with both leaders calling for global solidarity against terrorism and the dismantling of terror infrastructure.
The conversations extended to newer frontiers as well—space cooperation, digital governance, artificial intelligence, and health regulation all featured prominently, with several key agreements signed. These included MoUs on space activities, health cooperation, anti-doping, and postal services, each laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration.
Cultural and educational ties, long cherished between India and Saudi Arabia, were celebrated and strengthened. Both leaders emphasized the need to foster tourism, promote media and sports exchanges, and expand educational partnerships. Saudi Arabia welcomed Indian universities to establish a presence in the Kingdom, a move that speaks to a shared vision for capacity building and knowledge sharing.
At the global level, the two countries pledged closer cooperation in multilateral forums like the G20, IMF, and World Bank to address pressing global economic challenges. They also expressed solidarity on humanitarian issues, particularly in Yemen, and stressed the importance of secure maritime routes and regional stability.
As the visit concluded, both leaders exchanged warm wishes for the continued prosperity of their peoples. Prime Minister Modi expressed heartfelt thanks for the hospitality extended by the Saudi leadership and looked forward to deepening the bilateral partnership in the years ahead.
This visit was more than a diplomatic milestone—it was a celebration of shared values, mutual trust, and a joint commitment to building a brighter future for both nations. The renewed spirit of cooperation and understanding promises to steer India and Saudi Arabia towards a more dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous partnership.
