India-Saudi Arabia Relations:
Prime Minister of India visit to Saudi Arabia aims to strengthen the growing India-Saudi Strategic Partnership, with new agreements expected in trade, defence, and investment under the Strategic Partnership Council framework.
- Establishment of Diplomatic Ties: Formal diplomatic relations were established in 1947.
- Delhi Declaration (2006) during King Abdullah’s visit laid the foundation for a strategic partnership.
- Riyadh Declaration (2010) during PM Manmohan Singh’s visit elevated the relationship to a new strategic level.
- PM Modi’s visits in 2016, 2019, and 2025 have expanded the scope to energy, defence, space, and culture.
- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visits to India in 2019 and 2023 further deepened ties.
- Saudi Arabia is India’s 5th largest trading partner with bilateral trade of USD 42.98 billion (FY 2023-24).
- Huge investment potential, including PIF’s USD 10 billion investment in sectors like retail, technology, and agriculture.
- Saudi Arabia remains India’s 3rd largest crude oil supplier, contributing 3% of India’s oil imports in 2023-24.
- Collaboration in renewables through the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Increasing defence exchanges, naval exercises like Al Mohed Al Hindi, and joint land forces exercise Ex-Sada Tanseeq-I held in 2024.
- Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia numbers 7 million, acting as a vital socio-economic bridge.
- Cultural MoUs, yoga cooperation, and growing tourism and sports engagement.
