New Delhi, 23 April (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, where he received a ceremonial welcome from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah. They co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). The Crown Prince condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam and expressed condolences for the lives lost, emphasizing a joint commitment to combat terrorism.
During the talks, the leaders reviewed progress since their last meeting in September 2023, noting an increase in bilateral engagement and high-level visits across various Ministries that have fostered trust. They discussed collaboration in energy, defence, trade, investment, technology, culture, and people-to-people relations. Prime Minister Modi thanked the Crown Prince for supporting the Indian community and facilitating Haj pilgrimages.
They welcomed advancements made by the High-Level Task Force on Investment, which is aimed at Saudi Arabia investing USD 100 billion in India across diverse sectors like energy, petrochemicals, and healthcare. They specifically noted agreements to establish two oil refineries in India and progress on taxation issues. Modi proposed enhancing economic ties by connecting payment gateways for trade settlements in local currencies.
The leaders also reviewed the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) connectivity initiatives and exchanged perspectives on regional and global matters. Both expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of two Ministerial Committees focused on political, security, cultural cooperation, and economic investments. Additionally, they agreed to expand the SPC by establishing a Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation and another on Tourism and Culture Cooperation.
Post-meeting, the minutes of the SPC were signed by both leaders.Leaders endorsed the signing of four bilateral MoUs and agreements during the visit, focusing on Space, Health, Sports (Anti-Doping), and postal cooperation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India for the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).
The second SPC leaders’ meeting took place on April 22, 2025, in Jeddah, co-chaired by Modi and Prince Mohammed. The Council evaluated the progress of various committees addressing political, defense, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people relations. Subsequently, they signed the meeting’s minutes.
To enhance defense collaboration over recent years, including joint exercises and defense industry partnerships, a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation was established. Additionally, to bolster cultural connections, a Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation was created.
The four SPC committees now include: (1) Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee, (2) Defence Cooperation Committee, (3) Economy, Energy, Investment and Technology Committee, and (4) Tourism and Cultural Cooperation Committee.
Furthermore, building on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest USD 100 billion in India across various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, and technology, the High-Level Task Force on Investment (HLTF) reached agreements to facilitate these investments swiftly, including plans for two refineries in India. Significant advancements were also noted in taxation to foster investment cooperation.
The signed MoUs/Agreements encompass:
– Cooperation in Space Activities for Peaceful Purposes between the Saudi Space Agency and India’s Department of Space.
– Health cooperation agreements between health ministries of both countries.
– Anti-Doping education collaboration between SAADC and NADA.
– Postal cooperation between Saudi Post Corporation and India’s Department of Posts.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
