PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince Co-Chair Strategic Council, Vow to Fight Terrorism

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on his State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was warmly received by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, on April 22, 2025, at the Royal Palace in Jeddah. The leaders held official talks and co-chaired the second meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC).

During the meeting, HRH Crown Prince strongly condemned the terror attack in Pahalgam, India, and expressed his deepest condolences for the innocent lives lost. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to combating terrorism.

The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation across several areas, including energy, defence, trade, investment, technology, culture, and people-to-people relations. Prime Minister Modi appreciated Saudi Arabia’s support for the Indian community and the facilitation of Indian Haj pilgrims. The leaders also reviewed the progress since their last meeting in September 2023 in New Delhi, acknowledging the intensification of bilateral engagement and numerous high-level visits.

A key highlight was the positive outcome of the High-Level Task Force on Investment. Both leaders welcomed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to invest USD 100 billion in India, covering sectors like energy, infrastructure, technology, and pharmaceuticals. They also discussed collaborations on oil refineries in India and progress on taxation issues. Prime Minister Modi proposed working on connecting payment gateways and trade settlements in local currencies to further boost economic ties.

The leaders also discussed the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and bilateral connectivity initiatives. Furthermore, they announced the expansion of the SPC with two new ministerial committees: one on Defence Cooperation and another on Tourism and Culture Cooperation.

Following the meeting, the two leaders signed the minutes of the second SPC. Four bilateral MoUs were also signed in the areas of Space, Health, Anti-Doping in Sports, and Postal Cooperation.

Prime Minister Modi extended an invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit India for the third meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council.