PM Modi Highlights Deepening India-Saudi Ties In Defence, Energy, & Diaspora Engagement

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, described the Kingdom as a force for regional peace and stability.

PM Modi emphasised the growing trust and collaboration between the two countries, particularly in defence and security.

“We consider Saudi Arabia a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability in the region. The growing defence and security engagement and collaboration between the two countries is a reflection of deep mutual trust. It is also a testament to our shared commitment to regional stability and our mutual resolve to address the evolving challenges in our extended neighbourhood,” PM Modi stated.

The Prime Minister further asserted, “We have seen steady progress in security cooperation. This includes areas such as counterterrorism, combating extremism, disrupting terror financing and tackling drug trafficking. We are also exploring new frontiers of cooperation in cybersecurity, recognising its growing importance in today’s interconnected world. Last year, we achieved an important milestone: the first-ever joint exercises between the two land forces. These were complemented by two successful rounds of the joint naval exercise Al-Mohed Al-Hindi, which were held in 2021 and 2023.”

PM Modi expressed satisfaction over India’s contribution to the Saudi Armed Forces.

“Over the past decade, defence manufacturing has taken deeper roots in India. Today, there is a strong military-industrial complex with the ability to manufacture quality ammunition, small arms, tanks, and armoured carriers. For the air force, we are building drones, advanced light helicopters and fighter jets. For the navy, we have the capacity to build patrol boats, submarines, and even aircraft carriers. We are not just fulfilling our own needs. India has also emerged as an important supplier of defence equipment to more than 100 countries around the world,” the Prime Minister remarked.

PM Modi further added, “I am glad that we have been able to meet some needs of the armed forces in Saudi Arabia. We support deeper engagement between private-sector players from both countries. We would welcome Saudi investment into the defence manufacturing sector in India, which has been opened for private investment.”

PM Narendra Modi stated that India is currently pursuing collaborative projects in the refinery and petrochemical sectors with Saudi Arabia.

“Energy has been an important pillar of our economic partnership. Saudi Arabia has been a strong and reliable energy partner for us. It is one of our top suppliers of crude and other petroleum products. As India seeks to become a developed country, our energy demands will continue to grow. And Saudi Arabia will remain a close partner in our energy security. As strategic partners, we agree that our energy cooperation is not limited to mere buyer-seller relationships. We are also exploring joint projects in refineries and petrochemicals,” PM Modi remarked.

On cultural and religious ties, the Prime Minister thanked Saudi Arabia for facilitating Indian pilgrims travelling for Hajj and Umrah.

PM Modi noted the rising popularity of yoga and cricket in the Kingdom, calling it a sign of increasing people-to-people exchange.

“As far as religious tourism is concerned, as you know, we have a large Muslim population and they visit your beautiful country each year for the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimage. We are grateful to the Saudi leadership for the continued assistance provided to Indian pilgrims. Yoga has gained considerable popularity in Saudi Arabia over the recent years, thanks to the encouragement and support of the Saudi government. We are also noticing a growing interest in cricket,” PM Modi told Arab News.

The Prime Minister also acknowledged the Saudi leadership for their support to the Indian community.

“First of all, let me put it on record that we are deeply grateful to Their Royal Highnesses, King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for the patronage they have provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia. We can never forget how they took care of the Indians as one of their own during the difficult times of the COVID pandemic. Indians have a very important character – whichever country they go to, they make it their home. They are law-abiding, dedicated and professional to the core. They carry with them the values of empathy, compassion and care,” PM Modi noted.

The Prime Minister further added, “This very nature earns them the respect of their host country. Saudi Arabia is no exception. Whenever I have met His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, he has praised the Indian community and appreciated their significant contribution to the economic growth of the Kingdom. He has even said that they are part of the Saudi family. These words of praise always fill my heart with pride and joy. For my government, the members of the Indian diaspora are the ‘rashtradoots’ (national ambassadors). The 4Cs — Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute – is the motto of our engagement with our diaspora. Their safety, welfare and well-being are paramount for us.”

PM Modi said he was looking forward to meeting the Indian diaspora during his visit.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the trip underscores the importance India places on its ties with Saudi Arabia and offers a platform to discuss regional and global issues of shared interest.

Also Read: PM Modi Praises Indian Community In Saudi Arabia; Calls Them A Bridge Of Friendship