Prime Minister’s Trip Strengthens India-Saudi Relations, Expanding Beyond Traditional Energy Ties
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing deepening of ties between the two nations. Co-chairing the second India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace in Jeddah, Modi’s trip underscored the long-term prospects for collaboration, particularly in the fields of energy, defense, space, and technology.
Energy and Beyond: A Broader Partnership
Modi’s visit comes at a crucial moment in the development of India-Saudi relations, which have grown steadily since 2016. Traditionally, the energy sector has been the cornerstone of the relationship, with India being one of Saudi Arabia’s largest customers for oil. The joint statement from the visit further cemented this bond, with an agreement to establish two oil refineries in India, which will serve as a long-term commitment to ensuring energy security for the Indian subcontinent.
However, this visit wasn’t just about oil. It highlighted an increasingly multifaceted partnership that now includes cutting-edge fields like space exploration, defense, and technology. These areas are becoming key pillars of the bilateral relationship, suggesting that both nations see great potential in expanding their cooperation far beyond the traditional oil-and-gas ties that have long defined their interactions.
Strategic Shifts in Indian Foreign Policy
India’s “Look West Strategy” has guided its approach to the Middle East, and this trip was a clear reflection of its broader regional ambitions. By strengthening ties with Saudi Arabia, India aims to secure not only energy resources but also a stronger strategic foothold in the region. Saudi Arabia, with its economic influence and status as the custodian of Islam’s holiest sites, is a powerful ally for India, particularly as it seeks to assert itself more prominently on the global stage.
While Modi’s visit aimed to consolidate India’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, it also helped set the tone for future engagements. India’s push for deeper ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, particularly in terms of trade, security, and technological cooperation, is a clear strategy for increasing its influence in this vital part of the world.
Terrorism Cloud Over the Visit
Modi’s visit was marred by the tragic news of a deadly terrorist attack in India’s Kashmir region that claimed 26 lives. The attack, which took place shortly before Modi’s departure, was condemned in the joint statement issued by both nations. While the statement stopped short of directly naming Pakistan, it made a strong reference to “cross-border terrorism,” signaling both countries’ shared concern over security threats emanating from across India’s borders.
The timing of the attack added a layer of gravity to the discussions between the two leaders. Both Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism and extremism, acknowledging that regional security challenges required collaborative efforts. The tragic attack brought into sharp focus the importance of cooperation in the realm of counterterrorism and security.
Expanding Cooperation Into New Frontiers
While energy remains the core of the relationship, the burgeoning areas of space, defense, and technology are becoming increasingly important. India’s space program, known for its ambitious ventures like the Mars Orbiter Mission, has drawn attention globally. Saudi Arabia, under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, is working to diversify its economy and increase its technological and defense capabilities.
The two nations are exploring joint ventures in these fields, with particular focus on technology transfer, defense cooperation, and space exploration. This expansion signals a desire to create a future-proof partnership that is not reliant solely on energy exports and imports but looks toward cutting-edge industries that will define the global economy in the coming decades.
This strategic shift is also reflective of the broader geopolitical trends in the Middle East, where countries like Saudi Arabia are looking to move beyond their dependence on oil and gas and towards innovation and diversification. India, with its rapidly growing tech and defense industries, presents an ideal partner for Saudi Arabia in this transformation.
India-Saudi Relations Going Forward
Looking ahead, the momentum built during Modi’s visit will likely play a crucial role in shaping India-Saudi relations. With both nations signaling their commitment to a long-term partnership, there is potential for even greater cooperation on a variety of fronts. The energy sector remains important, but as Saudi Arabia diversifies its economy, the focus is shifting toward high-tech industries and defense collaboration.
India’s “Look West Strategy” has clearly found a receptive partner in Saudi Arabia, and Modi’s third visit to the kingdom further solidifies the relationship. The shared commitment to regional stability, combating terrorism, and expanding cooperation in emerging industries positions India and Saudi Arabia to play an even more significant role in global affairs in the years to come.
