Strengthening Ties: India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council Meeting

In a significant diplomatic development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently convened for the first Leaders’ Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council in Delhi. This meeting, held on Monday, marked a pivotal moment in the burgeoning relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. The discussions spanned a wide range of crucial areas, including energy security, trade and investment, defense, healthcare, food security, and more, highlighting the depth of their strategic cooperation.

The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to India, his second since February 2019, initially coincided with his presence at the G20 Summit. However, he extended his stay to engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Modi. These extended deliberations laid the foundation for further collaboration between the two nations.

Prime Minister Modi expressed satisfaction with the productive talks, emphasizing the substantial scope for cooperation in various sectors. “His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and I had very productive talks. We reviewed our trade ties and are confident that the commercial linkages between our nations will grow even further in the times to come. The scope for cooperation in grid connectivity, renewable energy, food security, semiconductors, and supply chains is immense,” noted PM Modi.

The Saudi Crown Prince’s visit began with a ceremonial welcome at the Rashtrapati Bhavan, a tradition reserved for foreign leaders visiting the presidential complex. President Droupadi Murmu, along with Prime Minister Modi and other ministers, warmly received him. In his remarks, the Saudi Crown Prince congratulated India for successfully hosting the G20 Summit and expressed his enthusiasm for strengthening ties between the two countries. “I am very glad to be here in India. A lot of announcements have been made that will benefit G20 countries and the world. We will work together to create a great future for both countries,” he affirmed.

Subsequently, the leaders convened at the historic Hyderabad House, known for its association with diplomacy and the deepening of ties with various nations. Accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers and senior officials, the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit underscored the importance both nations attached to their growing partnership.

Later in the evening, the Saudi Crown Prince was received by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan, providing an additional platform for dialogue reaffirming mutual interests and discussions on regional and international matters affecting both countries.

The significance of the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit is underscored by the notable milestone in economic cooperation. Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of $52.75 billion in the fiscal year 2022-23. India and Saudi Arabia have emerged as prominent trading partners for each other, with Riyadh holding the position of New Delhi’s fourth-largest trading partner and vice versa. This robust economic engagement serves as a testament to the growing synergies between the two nations.

Moreover, against the backdrop of the G20 Summit, Saudi Arabia collaborated with several countries, including India, to initiate a substantial railway and port project. This ambitious undertaking aims to streamline the flow of commerce, energy, and data from India across the Middle East to Europe, further solidifying the strategic importance of India-Saudi Arabia relations.

Energy security emerged as a key focus area during the Leaders’ Meeting. Both countries are keen to enhance their energy cooperation, with a particular emphasis on renewable energy sources. This aligns with India’s push towards clean energy solutions and Saudi Arabia’s interest in diversifying its energy portfolio.

Trade and investment were also central to the discussions, given the impressive growth in bilateral trade. Exploring opportunities for increased investment and trade facilitation measures promises to bolster economic ties.

Defense and security cooperation featured prominently in the dialogue, reflecting the shared concerns and interests of both nations in the face of evolving regional and global security challenges.

Healthcare and food security discussions addressed critical issues, particularly in light of the ongoing global pandemic and the need to ensure food sufficiency for growing populations.