The recent state visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India holds profound implications for the strategic dynamics of the region and the economies of both nations. This visit, occurring shortly after the G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi, signifies a turning point in their relationship, sparking discussions among analysts about the trajectory of their collaboration.
Crown Prince, heading the Saudi delegation to the G20 summit, embarked on a state visit at the invitation of India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This move is seen as a significant boost to trade and diplomatic ties between the two countries. During a ceremonial reception in New Delhi, the Saudi Crown Prince expressed the deep-rooted nature of their relationship, stating, “The relationship between us is in our DNA in Saudi Arabia. India is our friend. They helped us build Saudi Arabia over the past 70 years.”
This sentiment emphasizes the historical ties between the two nations, acknowledging India’s role in the development of Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince underlined the importance of maintaining and improving this relationship, highlighting the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this endeavor.
The visit witnessed the signing of several joint agreements covering various sectors such as energy, petrochemicals, renewable energy, agriculture, and industry, along with social and cultural collaborations. Analysts view this extensive engagement as indicative of the direction of strategic thinking between the governments of Saudi Arabia and India. Mohammed Soliman, Director of the Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute, noted, “Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India following New Delhi’s successful hosting of the G20 holds significant implications.”
The visit was strategically timed and symbolized a desire to strengthen bilateral relations, possibly through trade agreements, investments, and diplomatic cooperation. Discussions were expected to encompass economic ties, energy security, regional diplomacy, and multilateral engagement. The leaders’ meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council of India and Saudi Arabia added further significance to the visit, with Prime Minister Modi describing Saudi Arabia as India’s most important strategic partner.
The development of a strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and India holds far-reaching ramifications for the wider West Asian region, potentially expanding common interests beyond trade into areas like defense cooperation. Prime Minister Modi’s statement regarding the importance of the India-Saudi relationship for regional stability alludes to the ongoing geopolitical and economic convergence between the Middle East and South Asia, forming what is often referred to as West Asia.
In a complex geopolitical landscape, India and Saudi Arabia, both influential economies in the region with global and regional impacts, hold considerable sway over the trajectory of regional stability. Their cooperation becomes increasingly important, encompassing areas such as intelligence-sharing, diplomatic mediation in regional conflicts, economic growth, and the assurance of a secure and reliable energy supply within West Asia.
One major strategic development to come out of the G20 leaders’ summit was the unveiling of ambitious plans to create a modern-day “spice road,” with potentially wide-ranging geopolitical implications. India and Saudi Arabia, along with the US, the EU, the UAE, and others, launched the initiative to link railways, ports, electricity, data networks, and hydrogen pipelines. This corridor aims not only to connect the two countries but to promote economic cooperation and digital connectivity between Asia, West Asia, and Europe.
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of this corridor, stating that it would play a pivotal role in advancing economic integration and promoting infrastructure development. The initiative aligns with the broader vision of strengthening the relationship and strategic resilience among Mediterranean states, the Gulf region, and India, forming a crucial geopolitical bridge between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
Analysts also point to the immense opportunities for Indian businesses created by Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification and social reform agenda, particularly in the tech sector. As Saudi Arabia aims to transition its economy away from oil, India’s expertise in the services and IT sector can contribute significantly to developing a localized Saudi economy. The potential for mutual collaboration in infrastructure development, with Saudi Arabia having the capital to invest, aligns with India’s current focus on funding for infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth.
Muddassir Quamar, Associate Professor at the Centre for West Asia Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, sees the strengthening of trade ties as part of a shared acknowledgment of common strategic aims in the region. Both India and Saudi Arabia, as leading global economies experiencing rapid growth, recognize the importance of economic reforms and prosperity for their people. Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in fighting climate change, reforestation, green energy, and water conservation are viewed as significant for regional stability.
Furthermore, the growing ties between Saudi Arabia and India reflect a broader shift toward a multipolar world, where emerging economies play a greater role in determining their relationships and the power dynamics within their respective neighborhoods. As India becomes the world’s most populous country and potentially the fourth-largest economy, Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region adjust their policy focus accordingly.
Prime Minister Modi’s description of Saudi Arabia as India’s most important strategic partner highlights the depth of their relationship. The collaborative initiatives and agreements signed during the state visit underscore a commitment to building a comprehensive and mutually beneficial partnership. This collaboration not only addresses economic aspects but also has broader implications for regional stability, diplomatic cooperation, and the development of critical infrastructure.
The state visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India represents a milestone in the ongoing relationship between the two nations. The depth of historical ties, coupled with strategic economic collaborations and initiatives like the “spice road,” positions India and Saudi Arabia as key players in shaping the geopolitical landscape of the region. As they navigate the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century, the strengthening partnership between these influential economies holds the promise of fostering stability, prosperity, and mutual growth.
(Author is Professor & the Chairman of Centre for Narendra Modi Studies (CNMS), Bharat. Email: [email protected], www.namostudies.com)
