Modi hails Saudi Arabia as a trusted friend and strategic ally during a two-day official visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his two-day visit to Jeddah, underscored the growing strategic depth and economic potential of India-Saudi Arabia relations, while emphasising the convergence of national ambitions such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and India’s Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative. This marks his third visit to the Kingdom since 2016, underlining the high priority New Delhi accords to its ties with Riyadh.

Modi, in an interview with Arab News, reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across key sectors, including energy, trade, defence, and infrastructure. His visit comes in the wake of expanding engagement between the two nations following the establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019.

The Indian government, in a formal statement, affirmed that the visit reflects India's importance to Saudi Arabia as a trusted partner in the region.

Tracing the deep-rooted historical and civilizational links between the two countries, Modi characterised the bilateral bond as one anchored in mutual trust and stability, pointing to the cultural and maritime connections that have facilitated centuries of exchange in ideas and commerce. He recalled being conferred the Order of King Abdulaziz during his earlier visit in 2016, and suggested that relations had taken a decisive upward turn since 2014.

Modi noted that cooperation has significantly expanded across sectors following the formation of the Strategic Partnership Council, describing the bilateral bond as resilient and future-oriented. He attributed the sustained momentum in ties partly to the personal rapport shared between the leadership of the two nations, with particular emphasis on the vision and dynamism of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Underlining the role of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in shaping the trajectory of bilateral relations, Modi observed that the reforms initiated under Vision 2030 had contributed to a renewed global perception of Saudi Arabia as a modernising power.

India regards Saudi Arabia as its fifth-largest trading partner, and Modi’s remarks highlighted the efforts being made to diversify economic engagement beyond traditional sectors like energy, agriculture, and fertilisers. He acknowledged that the two economies are naturally complementary and argued that their growing convergence is helping both nations build resilience against global disruptions.

Saudi Arabia is also viewed as a critical contributor to India’s food security, while Indian agricultural exports like rice enjoy wide popularity in the Kingdom. Modi suggested that the trade relationship has matured into one of mutual benefit and strategic interdependence. Efforts are underway to finalise a Bilateral Investment Treaty, and both countries are also actively pursuing a Free Trade Agreement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC.

In the context of Saudi Arabia’s upcoming hosting of the World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034, Modi conveyed India’s appreciation and saw these events as significant not only for the Kingdom’s global stature but also as platforms for Indian companies to participate in infrastructure development.

He also extended an invitation to Saudi investors to participate in India’s developmental journey under Viksit Bharat 2047, particularly in areas such as renewable energy, innovation, start-ups, healthcare, and the blue economy. He stated that two-way business engagement would further reinforce the economic foundation of the bilateral partnership, enhancing mutual prosperity.

On the energy front, Modi described Saudi Arabia as a reliable partner in securing India’s growing fuel needs, while reiterating that the partnership is evolving from a traditional buyer-seller model to a more integrated energy alliance. The two countries are exploring joint ventures in refining and petrochemicals, and are also collaborating on clean energy initiatives as India aims to meet its target of 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030.

India and Saudi Arabia are also working together on new areas such as green hydrogen, energy efficiency, and circular economy projects, and are jointly participating in multilateral efforts like the International Solar Alliance. Modi mentioned that both countries are conducting feasibility studies for electricity grid interconnectivity, which could enhance regional energy integration and sustainability.