Our Bureau
New Delhi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Saudi Arabia on April 22-23, engaging in crucial discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing key regional and global issues. The visit comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with the ongoing Palestine conflict and maritime security concerns topping the agenda.
The Prime Minister’s visit aims to solidify the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, focusing on enhanced cooperation in areas such as defence, trade, and investment. Discussions will also cover the current situation in the Middle East, with both leaders expected to exchange views on finding peaceful resolutions to the conflicts.
Maritime security in the region is another critical area of focus. Given the importance of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden for global trade, Modi and Crown Prince Salman are likely to explore ways to enhance maritime security cooperation to ensure the safety of sea lanes.
In addition to regional security, the visit will also emphasize the growing economic ties between the two nations. Saudi Arabia is a major trading partner and a key energy supplier for India, and both countries are keen to expand their trade and investment partnership.
Over the years, India and Saudi Arabia’s bilateral commerce has steadily increased. While the Kingdom is India’s fifth-largest commercial partner, India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner. Bilateral trade reached $42.98 billion in FY2023–2024, with $11.56 billion in Indian exports and $31.42 billion in imports.
