The focus will be on defence and security, trade and investments, and visa-related matters during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia later this month (likely on April 22-23).
A key aspect of this bilateral engagement is growing defence cooperation, underscored by joint exercises and increased military exchanges.
Maritime Security & Defence Cooperation
The deepening defence relationship is represented by joint naval exercises and increasing military expertise exchanges. The upcoming third edition of the Al-Mohed Al Hindi naval exercise reflects this growing partnership.
The first such exercise took place in August 2021, followed by a successful drill in May 2023. These exercises provide the Indian Navy with strategic leverage, particularly in the region stretching from the Strait of Hormuz to the Strait of Malacca.
“These military exercises reflect the growing recognition of India as a trusted defence partner,” a senior officer told StratNews Global.
The bilateral defence collaboration includes India’s $225 million artillery ammunition deal with Saudi Arabia. This followed an $80 million agreement in 2023. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to localise 50% of its defence expenditure, offers significant opportunities for India.
Ties with Saudi Arabia have also expanded through joint exercises across domains. The first joint land force exercise Sada Tanseeq took place in Rajasthan in early 2024. “The focus was to enable the Indian and Saudi armies to share best practices in tactics, techniques and procedures for operations in the sub-conventional zone,” according to a military official.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia has shown interest in India’s defence training facilities. Over the past two years, 80 Saudi naval cadets have been trained in India.
These growing defence engagements contribute not only to bilateral security but also to regional stability in West Asia. Both countries are committed to safeguarding maritime trade routes and securing global chokepoints, which are crucial to the global economy.
During Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Riyadh in 2019, both countries emphasized the importance of securing waterways in the Indian Ocean and the Gulf. The upcoming visit will expand this to include cybersecurity, combating transnational crimes and ensuring the freedom of navigation.
India-Saudi Growing Relations
“There has been intense engagement with Saudi Arabia since the G20 summit in New Delhi. We are seeing high-level visits from both sides, including those of ministers of commerce and defence. These discussions are laying the groundwork for long-term security cooperation,” says Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to Riyadh.
The Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia contributes to this partnership. Over 2.65 million Indians live in Saudi Arabia, engaged in sectors such as construction, services and technology.
“The Indian community’s contribution to the economic development of Saudi Arabia is widely recognised,” Ambassador Khan highlighted. The National Skill Development Corporation is helping Indian workers meet Saudi Arabia’s evolving workforce needs.
On the economic front, Modi’s visit is expected to focus on enhancing trade and investments in various sectors, including tourism, renewable energy, shipping and sports. As India accelerates its infrastructure development, both nations see substantial potential for collaboration.
Md. Muddassir Quamar, Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, observed: “Saudi Arabia has initiated mega projects to develop and augment physical infrastructure and is inviting investments from across the globe.” India, with its growing infrastructure expertise, is well-positioned to play a key role here.
Connectivity & IMEC
Another important topic of discussion during Modi’s visit will be the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).
“IMEC is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Saudi Arabia into a global logistical hub, bridging Asia and Europe,” said Quamar. Both countries are expected to explore ways to expedite its implementation, further strengthening bilateral ties and contributing to regional economic stability.
Visa-related matters will also be a topic of concern. Ahead of Modi’s visit, Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended the issuance of Umrah, business and family visit visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, effective until mid-June 2025. This suspension is linked to overcrowding and safety concerns during Hajj.
Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in India spans several sectors, including pharmaceuticals. Companies like Dr. Reddy’s and MSN Labs are increasing their presence in the kingdom. This sector, along with food imports and textiles, is set to boost bilateral trade further.
