Saudi Visit Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to begin a high-profile two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia from April 22 to 23, 2025. He will be visiting the Kingdom at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The visit is being closely watched due to its focus on boosting strategic partnerships across defence, energy, and investment sectors.
This will be Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia during his time in office. His previous visits in 2016 and 2019 helped lay a strong foundation for deepening bilateral ties. Now, the stage is set for even greater cooperation between the two nations, with several key agreements expected to be signed during the visit.
A Strategic Visit at a Crucial Time
India and Saudi Arabia have witnessed growing alignment in recent years across a range of sectors. The upcoming visit is expected to take this partnership to new heights. Senior government officials have hinted that the trip will focus on solidifying ties in defence cooperation, energy collaboration—especially in green energy—and large-scale investments.
The timing of the visit is especially important, given the changing dynamics in the Middle East, increased global energy demands, and the need for strong regional partnerships in the face of evolving geopolitical challenges.
Defence Ties to Get a Strategic Push
One of the top items on the agenda is the enhancement of defence cooperation between the two nations. India and Saudi Arabia are expected to explore deeper collaboration in joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and advanced defence technologies.
In recent years, the two countries have conducted naval exercises and discussed the exchange of defence experts and training programs. This visit is expected to formalize some of these discussions and outline a roadmap for stronger military ties.
Defence cooperation also plays a vital role in maintaining regional peace and security, especially with both countries facing common concerns such as terrorism and maritime threats.
Energy Partnership Goes Green
Energy has always been a pillar of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship, with Saudi Arabia being one of India’s top oil suppliers. However, this visit aims to take the energy partnership beyond traditional oil trade.
India is pushing hard for a transition to clean energy, and Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 reform plan, is also investing heavily in renewable energy, particularly green hydrogen. The two nations are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on green hydrogen production and research, making this a historic step toward sustainable development.
This shift toward green energy cooperation is not only important for reducing carbon emissions but also positions both nations as future leaders in clean energy technology.
Massive Investment Opportunities on the Table
Economic cooperation is another major theme of the visit. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had earlier expressed Saudi Arabia’s intent to invest up to $100 billion in India. While some of those plans have already begun to materialize, the visit is likely to accelerate talks and finalize specific investment projects.
Key sectors identified for investment include infrastructure, energy, fintech, petrochemicals, and start-ups. The Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has already made significant investments in India’s digital and retail sectors. Further deals are expected to be signed that could generate thousands of jobs and fuel economic growth in both nations.
Additionally, discussions are underway to boost trade volumes, ease market access, and explore joint ventures between companies from both sides.
Strategic Partnership Council to Convene
During the visit, Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Salman will co-chair the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. The Council was set up in 2019 to oversee strategic cooperation and ensure high-level coordination across ministries and sectors.
The meeting will review progress since the last session and identify new areas for collaboration. Several agreements and initiatives are expected to be finalized, including technology transfer, infrastructure development, and cooperation in the digital economy.
This institutional mechanism has helped bring more structure and vision to the bilateral relationship, and its outcomes are likely to shape long-term policy directions.
Discussions on Regional and Global Concerns
Apart from bilateral issues, Prime Minister Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince are also expected to hold discussions on regional and global developments. The leaders will likely exchange views on the situation in the Middle East, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and ways to maintain global peace and security.
India and Saudi Arabia have increasingly aligned on global platforms such as the G20, the United Nations, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Both nations advocate for a balanced, rules-based international order and share similar views on counter-terrorism and economic stability.
Another key topic expected during talks is the progress of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a major initiative that aims to improve trade and logistics connectivity between India, the Gulf region, and Europe.
A Growing People-to-People Connection
Beyond government and business ties, people-to-people relations between India and Saudi Arabia have grown stronger. Over 2.5 million Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia, making them one of the largest expatriate communities in the Kingdom.
The Indian diaspora contributes significantly to Saudi Arabia’s economy and also plays a crucial role in strengthening cultural and social ties. The welfare of Indian citizens living in the Kingdom will also be a key point of discussion during Modi’s visit.
There has also been growing cultural exchange through tourism, education, and sports, as both nations look to diversify their outreach beyond economics and politics.
A Milestone Visit for India-Gulf Relations
In many ways, this visit marks a milestone in India’s broader engagement with the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia is a leading voice in the Islamic world and a key player in global energy markets. Strengthening this relationship benefits India not just in terms of energy security, but also in gaining strategic leverage in the region.
The outcomes of this visit will likely pave the way for long-term collaboration in areas that are vital for India’s growth and global positioning. It also reflects India’s growing importance as a partner of choice for Gulf countries looking to diversify their alliances and modernize their economies.
As the world moves toward multipolarity and sustainable development, strong bilateral ties like those between India and Saudi Arabia are expected to shape the future of global diplomacy, trade, and energy leadership.
