What happened?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chaired the second leaders meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) on April 22, 2025, in Jeddah. The Council reviewed cooperation in various sectors and decided to create new Ministerial Committees on Defence Cooperation and on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation under the SPC. The High-Level Task Force on Investment (HLTF) discussed promoting Saudi Arabia’s investment in India, including establishing two refineries. Several MoUs and agreements were signed between India and Saudi Arabia, covering space activities, health cooperation, anti-doping education, and postal services.
Why it matters to India
Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia and the outcomes of the SPC meeting are significant for strengthening India’s strategic partnership with a key player in the Gulf region. The deepening of cooperation in defence, trade, investment, and technology aligns with India’s strategic interests and economic goals. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest USD 100 billion in India is a major boost for India’s economy, and the agreements in various sectors will foster bilateral cooperation and mutual benefit.
