India-Saudi Arabia Deepen Strategic Ties

On 22nd April 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chaired the 2nd India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) meeting in Jeddah, bolstering ties across defence, energy, and culture.

Key Points

Expanded SPC Framework: Two new Ministerial Committees on Defence Cooperation and Tourism & Culture were added to the SPC, bringing the total to four.
High-Level Talks: Leaders discussed regional/global issues and reviewed progress under the IMEEC initiative and existing SPC committees.
Investment Progress: Notable breakthroughs in taxation and the agreement to establish two oil refineries in India highlighted economic cooperation.
Visit Cut Short: PM Modi returned to India early due to the Pahalgam terror attack, cancelling his address to the Indian community and a state dinner.
Shared Vision: Both nations reaffirmed their commitment to regional stability, strategic cooperation, and economic growth.