Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, engaged in high-level discussions on Wednesday in New Delhi, addressing the strengthening of bilateral ties between their nations and exploring cooperation across various sectors.
Their talks focused on deepening collaboration in areas such as trade, energy, technology, and defense, while also sharing insights on pressing regional and global issues. The meeting underscored the commitment of both countries to foster enduring diplomatic and economic relations, amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia.
The diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and India have grown significantly over the past decade, transitioning from traditional energy ties to a multifaceted strategic partnership. India, as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, has been a key player in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030—a blueprint that aims to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependency on oil revenue.
The visit by Prince Faisal marks another milestone in the evolving relationship between the two nations, which was solidified by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India in 2019 and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reciprocal visits to Riyadh. These visits helped lay the groundwork for agreements in sectors ranging from energy and infrastructure to technology and defense. Through these exchanges, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a critical partner in India’s quest for energy security, while India remains an important ally for Saudi Arabia as it seeks economic diversification and regional stability.
One of the focal points of the talks between Prince Faisal and Dr. Jaishankar was economic cooperation, which has been a cornerstone of Saudi-Indian relations. Bilateral trade between the two nations has steadily increased, reaching nearly $50 billion in recent years. Saudi Arabia is a major supplier of crude oil to India, which imports around 18% of its total oil requirements from the Kingdom. However, the partnership now extends far beyond energy, encompassing a range of sectors that align with both countries’ economic aspirations.
Prince Faisal reiterated Saudi Arabia’s invitation for Indian companies to invest in sectors identified under Vision 2030, including healthcare, infrastructure, tourism, and renewable energy. The ministers discussed initiatives aimed at enhancing trade flows and creating investment-friendly policies. With India’s renewable energy sector projected to expand significantly in the coming years, both countries are keen on establishing joint ventures and partnerships in green energy projects, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision to reduce its carbon footprint.
In addition to oil and gas, the ministers reviewed opportunities in emerging fields such as digital economy, fintech, and artificial intelligence. India’s burgeoning IT and software industry could offer significant expertise to Saudi Arabia, which is increasingly investing in smart city projects and digital infrastructure as part of its economic transformation goals. Similarly, Saudi firms are eager to participate in India’s ambitious infrastructure initiatives, which include a wide array of smart city developments, high-speed rail projects, and industrial corridors.
Energy security has traditionally been the linchpin of Saudi-Indian relations. However, the shifting global focus toward renewable energy and environmental sustainability is prompting both nations to explore innovative solutions in this sector.
India has one of the largest renewable energy programs globally, with ambitious targets to generate 175 GW of renewable energy by 2024 and reach 450 GW by 2030. Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 plan, also aims to become a global hub for renewable energy, committing to solar and wind power projects to reduce its oil dependence. Recognizing these shared goals, the ministers discussed pathways for collaboration in renewable energy technology, with a particular focus on solar energy projects.
Given the volatility in global oil markets, both ministers emphasized the importance of a reliable oil supply chain. Prince Faisal affirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to meeting India’s energy needs, while Dr. Jaishankar highlighted the importance of stable pricing and consistent supplies. They also examined possibilities for joint ventures in oil refining and petrochemical projects, potentially benefiting both countries’ economies by ensuring energy security and fostering job creation.
Beyond economic and energy ties, defense cooperation emerged as a key topic of discussion. As both Saudi Arabia and India face unique security challenges within their respective regions, there is a growing need for collaboration on defense and counter-terrorism measures.
The ministers explored the potential for joint military exercises and training programs, building on previous collaborations in these areas. They also discussed the expansion of defense procurement initiatives, which would involve Saudi Arabia sourcing defense technology and equipment from India. Such exchanges would support India’s ‘Make in India’ defense manufacturing initiative while helping Saudi Arabia enhance its defense capabilities.
Cybersecurity has become an increasingly urgent concern as both Saudi Arabia and India experience cyber threats. The ministers pledged to strengthen collaboration in this area, exchanging best practices on cybersecurity measures and exploring potential partnerships for cybersecurity training. Counter-terrorism cooperation also featured prominently in their talks, with both sides committed to sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to counter terrorism financing and extremism. These measures underscore a shared commitment to regional security, particularly given the ongoing instability in areas such as Yemen and the wider Gulf region.
People-to-people connections are central to the Saudi-Indian relationship, especially given the large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia. With over 2.5 million Indians living in the Kingdom, cultural and educational exchanges have become instrumental in fostering mutual understanding.
The ministers discussed ways to increase educational exchange programs, including scholarships for Indian students to study in Saudi Arabia and vice versa. Saudi Arabia’s new education reforms under Vision 2030 aim to improve higher education standards and attract international students, offering opportunities for Indian students to gain exposure to the Kingdom’s universities and vocational training institutes.
Both countries are committed to celebrating their cultural diversity through festivals and exchange programs. Prince Faisal and Dr. Jaishankar discussed potential collaborations in art, literature, and film, allowing citizens from both nations to appreciate and learn from each other’s rich cultural heritage. India’s vibrant Bollywood industry has a strong fanbase in Saudi Arabia, while traditional Saudi art forms, cuisine, and festivals are becoming increasingly popular among Indians.
The ongoing conflicts in Yemen, Syria, and the larger Gulf region were prominent in discussions. Saudi Arabia has been a key player in addressing these issues, while India has consistently advocated for peace and stability in the Middle East. Both ministers agreed on the need for diplomatic solutions to conflicts, emphasizing humanitarian assistance and post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
India and Saudi Arabia both have strategic interests in Afghanistan and Iran. Prince Faisal and Dr. Jaishankar exchanged views on how to best support Afghanistan’s peace process and stressed the importance of an inclusive government in the country. Regarding Iran, Saudi Arabia expressed its concerns over Iran’s influence in the Gulf, while India highlighted the significance of diplomatic engagement to promote regional stability.
The ministers affirmed their commitment to cooperating in global forums such as the United Nations, G20, and BRICS to address issues like climate change, sustainable development, and economic resilience. They discussed the importance of collaborative multilateralism in tackling global challenges, reiterating their shared goals of poverty eradication, technology exchange, and sustainable economic growth.
