HomeIndiaBeyond Energy, Diaspora, Why Modi’s Visit To Saudi Arabia Is Important
Beyond Energy, Diaspora, Why Modi’s Visit To Saudi Arabia Is Important
Modi's visit to the Saudi capital comes on the heels of the resumption of talks between Iran and the US on its nuclear programme. The Saudis are backing the dialogue and could have much to tell Modi
Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid receiving guard of honour in Tehran. Photo Arab News
As press releases go, the MEA read on Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia scheduled for Tuesday, conveyed little.
“India and Saudi Arabia share close and friendly ties … as strategic partners the two countries share strong relations across various areas including political, defence, trade, energy technology …”
But Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri briefing the media on the PM’s visit, made an important point:
“Insofar as discussions between regional partners and Saudi Arabia are concerned, and discussions between India and some of its other strategic partners, I am sure that the upcoming visit will give the opportunity to the leaders to exchange perspectives on these issues and see where we are headed on this particular front.”
Saudi Minister In Tehran
Misri was commenting on the regional power dynamics in West Asia that saw the Saudi defence minister Prince Khalid in Tehran last week. His visit came ahead of Iran’s talks with the US on the future of its nuclear programme and indicated Riyadh’s support for a resolution.
Saudi Arabia has welcomed the resumption of Iran’s nuclear discussions with Washington, expressing support for a peaceful outcome to the long standoff.
Anil Trigunayat, India’s former ambassador to Libya and Jordan, said that “The collaboration or at least modus vivendi between Riyadh and Tehran is critical to regional stability. Hence, the high-level interactions, including the visit of Khalid bin Salman as a special emissary of King Salman, are important as the US-Iran nuclear deal talks are underway and Israel is on a bit of a leash.”
In his view, “Trump will soon be in Riyadh, hence there are efforts to seal the deal, in which the Russians, Emiratis and Saudis are all helping.”
Indeed, the stakes are high. Both Saudi Arabia and Iran have compelling reasons to avoid open confrontation.
“Saudi Arabia would like to avoid getting entangled in a regional flare-up and at the same time does not want Iran to go nuclear,” says Prof Muddassir Quamar, a West Asia expert. “The Saudi-Iran engagements, along with Iran-US talks, are positive developments for a more stable West Asia.”
India’s Strategic Interests
These regional shifts carry substantial implications for India, which maintains deep economic, energy, and strategic ties with the Gulf.
“From an Indian point of view, peace and stability in the region are of utmost interest given the Gulf’s significance for India’s energy and maritime security, says Prof Quamar of Jawaharlal Nehru University.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia comes at the right moment, providing New Delhi a chance to deepen its partnerships in the region. As defence and security relations are becoming increasingly central to bilateral ties, the visit is crucial,” he said.
Iran remains a vital player in India’s Gulf strategy. Despite external pressures, particularly from the US, India has maintained a pragmatic engagement with Tehran, especially concerning the development of Chabahar Port and regional connectivity projects.
A diplomatic solution to the nuclear issue would ease sanctions and open new avenues for cooperation.
