PM Modi Saudi Arabia visit aims to boost strategic ties, investment, and defence cooperation. The two-day visit will focus on strengthening India-Saudi relations across trade, technology, and diplomacy, enhancing the long-standing partnership between the two nations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, following an invitation extended by Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This marks Modi’s third visit to the Kingdom, following his earlier trips in 2016 and 2019.
The visit comes on the heels of Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s State Visit to India in September 2023, where he co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council and participated in the G20 Summit held in New Delhi. The current visit is expected to reinforce the already strong ties between the two nations and push forward several strategic initiatives.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the importance of this visit, citing Saudi Arabia’s critical role as a strategic partner for India. “Saudi Arabia hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate communities in the world. This visit is an opportunity to further cement our relationship with a key ally,” Misri stated.
He highlighted that Saudi Arabia is a major voice in the Islamic world and has been playing an increasingly vital role in regional affairs. The strong personal rapport between Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Salman, marked by mutual warmth and respect, has provided vital momentum to bilateral relations at the highest level.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also released a statement earlier today, underscoring the deep-rooted socio-cultural and historical ties between India and Saudi Arabia. The statement pointed out that the two countries have evolved a strong strategic partnership over the past decade, with significant cooperation across various domains such as politics, defence, security, trade, investment, energy, health, technology, education, culture, and people-to-people connections.
India and Saudi Arabia have witnessed growing investment commitments, especially in infrastructure and energy, and an expansion of defence and security cooperation. Frequent high-level exchanges have further contributed to strengthening trust and collaboration.
The MEA affirmed that the Prime Minister’s visit reflects India’s commitment to elevating the relationship to new heights. It is expected to result in important bilateral engagements, discussions on regional and global issues of mutual concern, and a renewed focus on enhancing multi-sectoral partnerships.
As India continues to expand its influence in the Gulf region, this visit is poised to play a key role in shaping future bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia, one of India’s most significant partners in the Middle East.
