Saudi-Indian Relations: A Strategic Partnership and Fruitful Collaboration

Saudi-Indian relations have a long-standing historical depth and importance extending over 75 years, reaching the level of strategic partnership in various fields including politics, economy, trade, and clean energy.

High-level visits between the two friendly countries have helped push relations forward. King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud visited India in February 2014 in response to an invitation from Indian Vice President Mohammed Ansari. During the visit, he met with Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. The discussions emphasized the importance of enhancing the strategic partnership and developing relations in all areas to serve the common interests of both countries and their peoples.

In April 2016, King Salman welcomed Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Riyadh, where they signed multiple agreements and cooperation programs between the two governments. A joint statement highlighted the importance of continuing to strengthen bilateral strategic relations to enhance peace, stability, and security in the region and globally.

In September 2016, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Prime Minister Modi at the G20 Leaders Summit in Hangzhou, China, to discuss opportunities for bilateral cooperation in various fields. Their meeting in Buenos Aires, Argentina, during the G20 Summit in November 2018, underscored the potential for cooperation in political, security, economic, investment, agriculture, energy, culture, and technology sectors.

A significant milestone in bilateral relations was marked by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India in 2019, where the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council was established. This council, chaired by the Crown Prince and the Indian Prime Minister, aims to enhance cooperation by aligning Saudi Vision 2030 with various Indian initiatives such as “Make in India” and “Digital India.” This initiative has strengthened ties between the two countries in multiple fields.

At the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Osaka, Japan, in June 2019, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Modi met to review their close friendship and discuss enhancing cooperation. They also focused on regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Continuing the trend of high-level visits, King Salman received Prime Minister Modi in October 2019, where they discussed historical ties and common interests. They emphasized the economic, trade, investment, security, defense, and cultural aspects of their friendship.

The first meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council, held in September 2023, signaled a deepening of strategic ties between the two nations. The leaders reviewed the progress made within the council and expressed satisfaction with the result.

India is the Kingdom’s second-largest trading partner, while Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest trading partner and second-largest supplier of oil. The trade volume between the two countries reached $39.9 billion in 2024. Indian exports to Saudi Arabia include metal products, plastics, chemicals, fertilizers, precious metals, and gemstones, while imports consist of cars, grains, machinery, electrical equipment, and steel products.

Saudi Arabia’s investment environment has attracted significant Indian investments, with Indian Direct Foreign Investment reaching $4 billion in 2023, marking a 39% increase from the previous year. Major Saudi companies have also engaged in partnerships and projects in India, totaling $10 billion in Saudi investments in the country.

Energy cooperation is a cornerstone of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India. Both countries share a commitment to supporting stable oil markets and ensuring energy supply security globally. Saudi Arabia remains a reliable source of crude oil for India.

Saudi assistance to India has totaled over $193 million, covering sectors such as education, health, food security, agriculture, energy, transportation, storage, and other multiple sectors.

The visit of Prime Minister Modi to the Kingdom underscores the political, economic, and pivotal role of Saudi Arabia on the international stage.