New Delhi, April 19, 2025 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant two-day visit to Saudi Arabia next week, marking his third official trip to the Kingdom since taking office in 2014. The visit comes at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, underscoring the growing strategic and economic synergy between the two nations.
Before heading to Saudi Arabia, PM Modi recently completed a diplomatic trip to Sri Lanka, reflecting India’s broader push to deepen regional and global partnerships ahead of key geopolitical summits.
PM Modi’s Third Visit to Saudi Arabia in 11 Years
This upcoming visit will be PM Modi’s third to Saudi Arabia—following previous trips in 2016 and 2019. The visit is expected to focus on enhancing bilateral cooperation across multiple domains, including:
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)
Defense and security collaboration
Trade and investment expansion
Innovation, technology, and startups
India-Saudi Arabia: A Deepening Economic Partnership
Saudi Arabia is currently India’s second-largest trading partner, while India ranks as the fifth-largest trade ally for the Gulf nation. During FY 2023-24, bilateral trade reached $42.98 billion, with:
Indian exports: $11.56 billion
Imports from Saudi Arabia: $31.42 billion
In recent years, Indian foreign direct investment (FDI) in Saudi Arabia has seen a steady rise, touching nearly $3 billion as of August 2023.
Strategic Conversations on the Horizon
The Modi-MBS summit is expected to feature high-level talks on regional connectivity, energy security, and economic cooperation. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC)—a transcontinental trade route unveiled at the G20 Summit—is likely to be high on the agenda, with both nations poised to play pivotal roles in its development.
Discussions may also cover:
Collaborations in smart city development
Joint infrastructure initiatives
Healthcare innovation
Agricultural technology and food security
A Decade of Strengthened Ties
Since the elevation of India-Saudi Arabia relations to a strategic partnership in 2010, both countries have steadily enhanced bilateral ties. Over the last decade, under PM Modi’s leadership, this relationship has matured into a durable and future-facing partnership that spans energy, defense, technology, education, and diaspora welfare.
Saudi Visit Ahead of Trump’s Diplomatic Push
PM Modi’s visit comes ahead of a planned Saudi trip by former US President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit the Kingdom next month. Analysts believe India is keen to reaffirm its diplomatic and strategic footprint in the Gulf region amid shifting geopolitical alliances and increasing global competition for energy and trade influence.
Focus on Innovation, Youth, and the Indian Diaspora
India is also expected to push for increased cooperation in tech innovation, youth entrepreneurship, and startup ecosystems. Additionally, the welfare of the large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which plays a critical role in the Kingdom’s workforce, will remain a focal point during discussions.
Looking Ahead
PM Modi’s upcoming visit signals India’s intent to expand its footprint in West Asia, leveraging shared economic interests and cultural ties. As both countries gear up for a new chapter of bilateral cooperation, the world will be watching closely for announcements that may shape the next decade of India-Saudi relations.
