Despite the abrupt end to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia following the horrific violence in Pahalgam, the single day he spent in Jeddah with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was enough to mark a dramatic advancement in the already rapidly growing ties between India and the Kingdom. The meetings, agreements, and joint statements made clear that the bilateral trade relationship has reached an unprecedented level of depth and ambition – one built on mutual trust, expanding economic interests, and a shared desire for stability in an increasingly volatile global and regional environment.

The tone of the summit was set by the subtitle of the joint communiqué: “A Historic Friendship, A Partnership for Progress.” This simple but resonant phrase captured the spirit of camaraderie between the two leaders, reflecting not just friendly rhetoric but a clear strategic vision for the future.

Before the trip was cut short, Modi and the Crown Prince presided over the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council. They made several key decisions that reflect the maturing of their bilateral ties. Among the most important were the establishment of two new ministerial committees: one focused on defense and security cooperation, and the other on tourism and cultural exchanges.

Defense ties have been growing at a rapid clip in recent years, with regular high-level exchanges on regional security and increasingly sophisticated joint exercises involving land and naval forces. India’s defense industry, seeking new markets and collaborations, has found a willing partner in Saudi Arabia, which is aiming for greater self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing under its Vision 2030 reform agenda.

Tourism and cultural collaboration represent another promising avenue. Saudi Arabia’s drive to diversify its economy includes a major push to develop its tourism sector, opening historic sites like AlUla, Hegra, Tabuk, and Najran to........

© Blitz