Riyadh - Mubasher: Saudi Arabia and India welcomed the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council to include four ministerial committees, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. This comes through the addition of a ministerial committee for defense cooperation and a ministerial committee for cooperation in the fields of tourism and culture.

The two sides agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international organizations and forums, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, to support efforts to address the challenges facing the global economy, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

This came in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the visit of the Prime Minister of the Republic of India to the Kingdom, at the invitation of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.

According to the statement, this is the third visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Kingdom, and comes after the historic official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to the Republic of India in September 2023, to participate in the G20 Summit and co-chair the (first) meeting of the (Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council).

The two sides noted that the solid foundation of the bilateral relationship has been strengthened by a strategic partnership covering diverse areas, including defense, security, energy, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, culture, health, education, and people-to-people ties. Views were exchanged on current regional and international issues of mutual interest.

The two sides held constructive discussions on ways to enhance the strategic partnership between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of India, and co-chaired the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council.

They reviewed the progress made in the Council's work since its meeting in September 2023, and expressed their satisfaction with the results of the work of the two ministerial committees (the Political, Security, Social and Cultural Cooperation Committee and its subcommittees, and the Economic and Investment Committee and its joint working groups) in various fields.

In this regard, they welcomed the expansion of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council to include four ministerial committees, reflecting the deepening strategic partnership between the two countries, through the addition of a ministerial committee for defense cooperation and a ministerial committee for cooperation in the fields of tourism and culture.

The two leaders expressed their appreciation for the frequent high-level exchanges from various ministries, which have enhanced trust and mutual understanding between the two sides. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two leaders signed the minutes of the (second) meeting of the (Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council).

The Indian side expressed its appreciation to the Kingdom for its continued support of the (2.7) million Indian citizens residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the strong ties between the two peoples. The Indian side congratulated the Kingdom on its success in organizing the Hajj season for the year 2024 AD, and expressed its appreciation for the efforts provided by the Kingdom for pilgrims, Umrah performers, and visitors from the Republic of India, and the high level of coordination between the two countries to ensure their comfort.

Both sides welcomed the growth in economic, trade, and investment relations between the two countries in recent years. The Indian side congratulated the Kingdom on the progress made in achieving the goals of Vision 2030, and the Saudi side expressed its appreciation for India's sustained economic growth and its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation in areas of common interest to achieve their respective national goals and achieve shared prosperity.

The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the progress made in the discussions held within the framework of the High-Level Task Force, which was formed in 2024 to enhance investment flows between the two countries. Based on the Kingdom's efforts to invest in the Republic of India in various fields, including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and health, the High-Level Task Force reached understandings in multiple areas that will enhance investment flows more rapidly.

They noted the agreement reached within the framework of the High-Level Working Group to cooperate on the establishment of two refineries, and the progress made by the High-Level Working Group in areas such as taxation represents a major achievement for enhancing future cooperation. Both sides affirmed their desire to complete negotiations on a Bilateral Investment Agreement as soon as possible.

The Indian side expressed appreciation for the opening of an office of the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) in India, which will serve as a focal point for facilitating investments by the fund. Both sides noted that the work of the High-Level Task Force underscores the growing economic partnership between India and the Kingdom, which focuses on mutual economic growth and collaborative investments.

The two sides affirmed their commitment to strengthening their direct and indirect investment partnership. They commended the outcomes of the Saudi-Indian Investment Forum, held in New Delhi in September 2023, and the effective cooperation between the public and private sectors in both countries.

They commended the expanding investment activities of Indian companies in the Kingdom, expressed their appreciation for the role of the private sector in promoting mutual investments, and activated the cooperation framework for promoting bilateral investment between the National Investment Promotion and Facilitation Agency of the Government of India (Invest India) and the Ministry of Investment of the Kingdom. They agreed to facilitate enhanced bilateral cooperation in the startup ecosystem, contributing to mutual growth and innovation.

In the energy sector, the Indian side agreed to work with the Kingdom to enhance the stability of global oil markets and achieve balance in the dynamics of the global energy market. They emphasized the need to ensure the security of supplies of all energy sources in global markets.

The two sides agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in several areas of the energy sector, including the supply of crude oil and its derivatives, including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), cooperation in the Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserve Program, joint projects in the refining and petrochemical sectors, including manufacturing and specialized industries, innovative uses of hydrocarbons, electricity, and renewable energy, including the completion of a detailed joint study on electrical interconnection between the two countries, and the exchange of expertise in the fields of grid automation, interconnection, security and resilience of electrical grids, renewable energy projects, energy storage technologies, and enhancing the participation of companies from both sides in the implementation of their projects.

The two sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of green/clean hydrogen, including stimulating demand, developing hydrogen transportation and storage technologies, and exchanging expertise and experiences to implement best practices.

They emphasized the importance of developing supply chains and projects related to the energy sector, enabling cooperation between companies, enhancing cooperation in the field of energy efficiency, rationalizing energy consumption in the buildings, industry, and transportation sectors, and raising awareness of its importance.

Regarding climate change, the two sides stressed the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, and the need to develop and implement climate agreements that focus on emissions rather than sources.

The Indian side commended the Kingdom's launch of the "Green Saudi Arabia" and "Green Middle East" initiatives and expressed support for the Kingdom's efforts in the field of climate change. Both sides emphasized the importance of joint cooperation to develop applications of the circular carbon economy by promoting policies that use the circular carbon economy as a tool for managing emissions and achieving climate change goals.

The Saudi side expressed its appreciation for the Republic of India's contributions to global climate action through pioneering initiatives such as the International Solar Alliance, One Sun, One World, One Grid, the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE), and the Global Green Credit.

The two sides expressed their satisfaction with the steady growth in bilateral trade in recent years, with the Republic of India being the Kingdom's second largest trading partner, and the Kingdom being the Republic of India's fifth largest trading partner in the period 2023-2024.

The two sides agreed to continue strengthening cooperation to diversify bilateral trade. In this regard, they agreed on the importance of intensifying business visits, trade delegations, and organizing trade and investment events in both countries. In this context, the two sides expressed their desire to initiate negotiations on the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.

The two sides expressed their appreciation for strengthening defense relations between the two countries as a fundamental pillar of their strategic partnership, through the establishment of a ministerial committee for defense cooperation under the umbrella of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council.

They expressed satisfaction with the achievements of their joint defense cooperation, including several pioneering initiatives, most notably the implementation of the first field exercise for land forces (Sadaa Tashkeel), and two naval exercises (Indian Ocean), in addition to numerous high-level visits and mutual training, which contribute to the security and stability of the region.

The two sides welcomed the results of the sixth meeting of the Joint Defense Cooperation Committee, held in Riyadh in September 2024, noting the commencement of staff-level talks between the two countries' naval, land, and air forces. They agreed to enhance cooperation in the defense industries.

The two sides commended the ongoing cooperation between the two countries in the security field and emphasized the importance of this cooperation for enhancing security and stability. They also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in the areas of cybersecurity, maritime border security, combating transnational crime, and combating drugs and drug trafficking.

The two sides condemned in the strongest terms the horrific terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on 22 April 2025, which claimed the lives of innocent civilians. In this context, the two sides condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations.

They agreed that no terrorist act can be justified, regardless of the cause. They expressed their rejection of any attempt to link terrorism to any race, religion, or culture.

They welcomed the distinguished cooperation between the two sides in combating terrorism and its financing. They condemned cross-border terrorism. They called on all states to reject the use of terrorism against other countries, dismantle terrorist infrastructure wherever it exists, and swiftly bring perpetrators to justice. They stressed the need to prevent access to weapons, including missiles and drones, used to commit terrorist acts against other countries.

The two sides commended the existing cooperation in the health sector and the efforts made to combat current and future health risks and challenges. They welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Health Cooperation between the two countries.

The Indian side congratulated the Saudi side on the Kingdom's successful hosting of the Fourth Ministerial Conference on Antimicrobial Resistance, held in Jeddah in November 2024. The Indian side welcomed the initiatives taken by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority to address issues related to reference pricing and expedited registration of Indian medicines in the Kingdom.

The two sides welcomed the extension of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in the Field of Regulating Medical Products between the Saudi Food and Drug Authority and the Central Drugs Standards Control Board of the Republic of India for an additional five years.

The two sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in the field of technology, including new and emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and semiconductors. They agreed on the importance of digital governance and explored prospects for cooperation in this field.

They expressed their satisfaction with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for Cooperation in the Regulatory and Digital Sectors between the Communications and Space Technology Commission of the Kingdom and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of the Republic of India.

The two sides noted that the Memorandum of Understanding on Space Cooperation signed during this visit will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in the space sector, including the use of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and ground systems, space technology applications, research and development, academic engagement, and entrepreneurship.

The two sides commended the deep cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries and welcomed the establishment of a Ministerial Committee for Cultural and Tourism Cooperation within the framework of the Strategic Partnership Council. The two sides agreed to enhance cooperation through cultural exchanges, festivals, cooperation in the field of cultural heritage, and other areas of mutual interest. They also agreed to enhance cooperation in the field of tourism, including through capacity building and sustainable tourism. They also noted the expansion of opportunities available in the fields of media, entertainment, and sports, supported by the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries.

The two sides commended the level of cultural cooperation between the Kingdom and the Republic of India, through active participation in key sectors, including heritage, cinema, literature, and the performing and visual arts. They agreed that the establishment of a ministerial committee on tourism and cultural cooperation under the umbrella of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council would be an important step toward deepening this partnership.

The two sides expressed their appreciation for the long-standing cooperation between the two countries in the fields of agriculture and food security, including fertilizer trade. They expressed their commitment to concluding long-term agreements to ensure secure supplies, mutual investments, and joint projects, thus contributing to building long-term strategic cooperation in this field.

Both sides commended the growing momentum in educational and scientific cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing its strategic importance in encouraging innovation, capacity building, and sustainable development. The Saudi side welcomed the opportunities available to leading Indian universities to establish a presence in the Kingdom, and both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation in the fields of labor and human resources, and identifying opportunities for cooperation.

The two sides recalled the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Principles of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor with other countries in September 2023 during the official visit of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to India, and expressed their mutual commitment to work together to realize the vision of connectivity as envisioned in the corridor, including the development and rehabilitation of infrastructure including railways, port connectivity, to increase the flow of goods and services, enhance trade among stakeholders, data connectivity, and electricity grid connectivity.

In this regard, the two sides welcomed the progress made under the Memorandum of Understanding on Electricity Interconnection, Clean/Green Hydrogen, and Supply Chains, signed in October 2023. They also expressed satisfaction with the increase in shipping lines between the two countries.

The two sides agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation and coordination between the two countries in international organizations and forums, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund, and the World Bank, to support efforts to address the challenges facing the global economy.

They commended their ongoing cooperation within the framework of joint action to address debt beyond the scope of the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI), which was endorsed by G20 leaders at the 2020 G20 Summit, chaired by the Kingdom.

They stressed the importance of enhancing the implementation of the Common Framework, as it is the main and most comprehensive platform for coordination between official creditors (developing country creditors and Paris Club creditors) and the private sector to address the debts of eligible countries.

During the visit, the following agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed:

1 - Memorandum of Understanding between the Saudi Space Agency and the Indian Space Administration in the field of space activities for peaceful purposes.

2 - Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Republic of India for cooperation in the health fields.

3 - A bilateral agreement between the Saudi Post Corporation and the Indian Ministry of Post regarding incoming foreign postal parcels.

4 - Memorandum of Understanding between the Saudi Anti-Doping Committee and the National Anti-Doping Agency of the Republic of India, for cooperation in the field of doping awareness and prevention.

The two sides agreed to hold the next meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council at a date to be agreed upon by both sides.

Regarding the Yemeni issue, the two sides affirmed their full support for international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen.

The Indian side appreciated the Kingdom's efforts and initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue and reconciliation among the Yemeni parties, and its role in providing and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to all regions of Yemen. The Saudi side also commended the Republic of India's efforts in providing humanitarian aid to Yemen.

The two sides agreed on the importance of cooperation to enhance ways to ensure the security and safety of waterways and freedom of navigation, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.