Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi co-chaired the second meeting of the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council in Jeddah on April 22, 2025. The high-level talks concluded with an agreement to expand the council through the establishment of four new ministerial committees, aiming to deepen cooperation across defence, tourism, culture, and other strategic sectors. The updated structure of the council reflects a shared commitment to institutionalize dialogue and enhance collaboration in priority areas.
The new committees will oversee initiatives in defence cooperation and cultural exchange, among others, signaling an intent to strengthen both strategic and people-to-people ties. In a joint statement issued after the meeting, both sides reaffirmed their cooperation within major international forums, including the G20, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the World Bank. This collaboration is intended to support global economic stability and coordinated responses to shared financial challenges. Saudi Arabia and India emphasized the breadth of their growing partnership, which now spans a wide range of sectors, including energy, trade, investment, security, agriculture, healthcare, education, and technology.
Both leaders acknowledged the progress achieved and committed to building on this momentum through the council’s enhanced framework. The creation of a committee for tourism and culture is designed to promote cultural diplomacy and strengthen mutual understanding, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and India’s global cultural initiatives. The defence committee, meanwhile, will focus on joint training, military collaboration, and potential defence technology partnerships.
The leaders also exchanged views on regional and international developments of mutual concern, highlighting a convergence in their strategic priorities and a shared interest in regional stability. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s direct involvement in the meeting underscores the high level of priority Saudi Arabia places on its relationship with India. The expanded Strategic Partnership Council is expected to serve as a key platform for advancing bilateral ties and coordinating joint initiatives in the years ahead. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.