Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Jeddah on April 22, 2025. They reviewed progress under the council’s framework since their previous meeting in September 2023 and discussed steps to further deepen the strategic partnership.
Enhanced Collaboration Across Key Sectors
The leaders focused on cooperation in defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties. The SPC has been expanded to include two new Ministerial Committees—one for Defence Cooperation and another for Tourism and Culture Cooperation.
New Agreements Signed
Four new bilateral agreements were signed during the visit in the areas of space, health, anti-doping in sports, and postal cooperation. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the functioning of two key Ministerial Committees under the SPC:
- Committee on Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation
- Committee on Economy and Investments
Investment and Economic Partnership
Modi and Mohammed bin Salman welcomed the work of the High-Level Task Force on Investment, which is building on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest $100 billion in India. Discussions included sectors like energy, infrastructure, fintech, and healthcare. They also agreed on collaborating on two oil refineries in India and proposed integrating payment systems and enabling trade settlements in local currencies.
IMEEC and Global Engagement
The two leaders reviewed ongoing collaboration under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Condemnation of Terrorism
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, and extended condolences. Both leaders reaffirmed their resolve to combat terrorism decisively.
Support for Indian Community
PM Modi expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support for the Indian diaspora and the arrangements provided for Indian pilgrims during Hajj.
Upcoming Engagement
Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit India for the third SPC meeting. This visit marks Modi’s third official trip to Saudi Arabia, following his earlier visits in 2016 and 2009.
