FCC

PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Co-Chair Strategic Council Meeting

2025-04-24

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 22 April 2025, where he was warmly received by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, at the Royal Palace in Jeddah with ceremonial honours.

The leaders held official talks and co-chaired the second meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC). HRH Crown Prince expressed strong condemnation of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and conveyed heartfelt condolences for the lives lost, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to combat terrorism resolutely.

During the meeting, the leaders reviewed the substantial progress made since the Council’s inaugural session in New Delhi in 2023. They commended the intensification of bilateral engagement across key sectors including energy, defence, trade, investment, technology, culture, and people-to-people relations. Prime Minister Modi conveyed gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s continued support to the Indian community and for the facilitation of Indian Haj pilgrims.

The two leaders welcomed the achievements of the High-Level Task Force on Investment, especially the reaffirmed commitment of Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in India. Key developments included plans for two joint oil refineries in India and advancements on taxation-related matters. PM Modi proposed greater economic collaboration through linking payment gateways and promoting trade in local currencies.

Strategic infrastructure initiatives such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) were also discussed, alongside broader regional and global matters of mutual concern.

The leaders endorsed the successful work of two ministerial committees under the SPC and announced the expansion of the Council through the creation of two new committees — one on Defence Cooperation and the other on Tourism and Culture — to reflect the deepening partnership in these spheres.

The visit also saw the signing of four bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the areas of Space, Health, Sports (Anti-Doping), and Postal Cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi extended a warm invitation to His Royal Highness to visit India for the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council.