Strengthening Ties: Exploring the Growing Relationship between Saudi Arabia and India

In recent years, the bond between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has experienced substantial growth and consolidation. The two countries, with diverse cultural and historical backgrounds, are now forging closer ties in various areas, ranging from trade to culture.

The recent visit of Dr Mohammad Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League to New Delhi has put further impetus on the momentum of these growing ties. Cited as one of the strongest global voices on moderate Islam from Saudi Arabia, Al-Issa shared the stage with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, praising India's unity and secularism. His meetings with President Murmu, PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and External Affairs Minister, Dr Jaishankar indicates the significant shift this relationship has seen in recent years as India pursues a strong Middle East policy.

Cultural ties at its peak

The mutual admiration and recognition of cultures has been an important factor driving bilateral ties. Each year pilgrims from India travel to the Kingdom for Haj to the holy city of Mecca. Earlier this year, India signed the Haj 2023 bilateral agreement with Saudi Arabia. Through this agreement, a quota of 1,75,025 Indian Haj was granted, giving pilgrims the opportunity to perform this ritual – reportedly the highest quota in history. An approximately 2.2 million strong Indian community is the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom.  This includes professionals, workers, and entrepreneurs that have held the two nations like glue.

Cementing Trade Partnerships

Saudi Arabia and India are major players in the global economy and have been working together continuously to enhance their trade and investment ties. In 2022, India was Saudi Arabia’s second largest trade partner.  

High-level visits, including those by the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, and Prime Minister Modi, laid the foundation of the relationship. These visits have provided a platform for discussions on various issues of mutual concern, such as counterterrorism, regional security, and economic cooperation.

Both countries have also shown willingness to collaborate in sunrise sectors, highlighting their shared commitment to progress and innovation. Saudi Arabia has long been a key supplier of oil to India with more than 18% of India’s crude oil imports being sourced from the Kingdom. To add to this, in recent years, the two countries have made efforts to diversify their trade by exploring opportunities in sectors such as digital payments, defence production, energy, infrastructure, and technology.

Recently, with Indian exports facing global headwinds, the Ministry of Commerce & Industry identified 12 countries, including the Kingdom, to push for closer commercial ties. This was evident from the visit of Industries Minister Piyush Goyal in September 2022 when some key decisions to promote trade between both countries were taken.

A bright future for both countries

The expanding relationship between Saudi Arabia and India holds immense potential not only for these two countries but also for the broader Middle East-Indian Ocean region. The collaboration between the regional powerhouses can contribute to stability, economic growth, and security in the region. As both countries continue to strengthen their ties, it is expected that their cooperation will further deepen across various sectors, creating a mutually beneficial and prosperous future.

The increased political engagement, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between the two countries are paving the way for a comprehensive and dynamic partnership. As they continue to explore and expand their ties, Saudi Arabia and India are poised to shape the regional dynamics and contribute to the progress of the global community.

India has been proactive in its engagement with other Arab countries as well while strategically managing its relationship with Israel. The recently concluded India – Arab Business highlighted the importance of strong Middle Eastern countries. PM Modi’s Middle East policy continues to evolve and take various shapes and forms as the relationship is fast maturing and creating a new strategic alliance.