India and Saudi Arabia Set to Sign Multiple Agreements
“The PM Modi Saudi Arabia Visit this week will mark a groundbreaking diplomatic milestone, as it will be the first time an Indian Prime Minister visits Jeddah in over 40 years.”, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jeddah in over 40 years. This historic journey, at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will begin on Tuesday afternoon.
The visit is viewed as more than a diplomatic gesture. It highlights India’s growing global influence and underscores the need to enhance India-Saudi relations across key sectors such as energy, technology, defense, and religious cooperation.
Key Goals of the PM Modi Saudi Arabia Visit
India and Saudi Arabia have been engaged in extensive talks, finalizing over six major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in diverse areas. These agreements will solidify the deepening bilateral ties between the two nations.
Main Focus Areas of the MoUs:
- Space Exploration and Technology India and Saudi Arabia will collaborate on satellite development, joint missions, and space research. This partnership will enable shared space projects and advanced data exchange.
- Energy Cooperation Beyond traditional oil and gas, both countries will explore renewable energy sectors, including solar and hydrogen technologies. This focus aligns with their goals for green energy and sustainability.
- Healthcare and Medical Innovation The countries will work together on pharmaceutical collaborations, healthcare research, and initiatives aimed at improving public health systems. Joint ventures may extend to medical tourism and vaccine production.
- Science and Technological Research India and Saudi Arabia are set to share expertise and jointly fund research in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and smart infrastructure. This will foster innovation in both nations.
- Cultural and Educational Exchange The visit will promote academic collaboration, cultural festivals, and language learning programs, building stronger people-to-people connections.
- Defense and Cybersecurity The two nations will enhance defense cooperation and cybersecurity, working together on regional stability and modernizing defense infrastructure.
Further agreements are also under consideration in the fields of trade logistics, infrastructure development, and investment.
Hajj and Pilgrim Services During PM Modi Saudi Arabia Visit
One of the most significant aspects of this visit is the management of the Hajj pilgrimage. India is preparing to send over 175,000 pilgrims for Hajj in 2025. This is a significant rise from 136,020 pilgrims in 2014. This rise reflects the strengthening of religious ties between India and Saudi Arabia.
However, around 42,000 pilgrims may miss out on the pilgrimage this year due to delays by Combined Hajj Group Operators in finalizing contracts with Saudi service providers.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, emphasized the importance of Jeddah, stating:
“Jeddah has always been the gateway for Indian pilgrims to Mecca, symbolizing our enduring cultural and religious relationship with Saudi Arabia.”
Efforts to Improve Pilgrim Experience
Several initiatives are planned to improve the pilgrimage process, including:
- Streamlining the pilgrimage management system
- Enhancing logistical support and medical facilities
- Improving coordination between Saudi Hajj authorities and India’s Ministry of Minority Affairs
These measures will help ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage for Indian Muslims.
Strategic Council During Modi Saudi Visit: Strengthening Ties
One of the key events of PM Modi’s visit will be the second session of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This council, established during Modi’s 2019 visit, focuses on enhancing bilateral cooperation in:
- Security and strategic collaboration
- Trade and economic growth
- Technology and innovation exchange
- Environmental cooperation
During this session, both leaders will assess progress made since their last meeting and set new goals for continued collaboration.
“Read more about India’s strategic foreign policy moves on our India Diplomacy section.”
Honoring Indian Workers
PM Modi will visit a Saudi facility employing many Indian workers, recognizing their invaluable contribution to the Kingdom’s development. The Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia is one of the largest in the Gulf, playing a crucial role in local projects while sending significant remittances back to India.
The visit will emphasize:
- India’s commitment to protecting the rights of expatriate workers
- Ensuring fair labor conditions
- Recognizing the role of the Indian community in strengthening bilateral relations
The PM Modi Saudi Arabia Visit not only highlights diplomatic priorities but also showcases India’s global role in regional cooperation.More details about Hajj regulations can be found on the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah website.
