Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is embarking on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia beginning Tuesday, aiming to deepen strategic and economic cooperation with the oil-rich kingdom at a time of rising global trade instability. The trip comes as countries around the world reevaluate alliances and supply chains in the face of sweeping U.S. tariffs and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Modi will arrive in Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, where he is scheduled to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) for high-level bilateral talks. In addition to official meetings, Modi will also connect with Indian factory workers in the region, underlining India’s sizable diaspora and labor presence in the Gulf.
India and Saudi Arabia already enjoy strong commercial relations, with bilateral trade totaling approximately $43 billion in the 2023-2024 period. As India pushes to become a global refining hub, Modi is expected to prioritize energy cooperation during this visit. Talks are likely to focus on long-term crude supply, defense partnerships, and investment in India’s refining infrastructure. Saudi Aramco, the kingdom’s state-owned energy giant, has shown renewed interest in India after a failed joint venture with Reliance Industries in 2021. New investment commitments from Aramco or its subsidiaries could mark a significant breakthrough in Indo-Saudi ties.
This marks Modi’s first visit to Saudi Arabia in six years and follows Crown Prince MBS’s trip to India in 2023. The leaders will co-chair a strategic council meeting aimed at advancing bilateral relations. India’s foreign ministry has indicated that several memoranda of understanding are expected, particularly in the energy sector.
Beyond oil, the summit may open new areas of collaboration in renewable energy, healthcare, tourism, and entertainment—sectors India and Saudi Arabia are both keen to develop. With both nations seeking to hedge against global market shocks and foster regional alliances, Modi’s Saudi trip could be a pivotal step in recalibrating India’s economic strategy in the Middle East.
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