Modi calls security collaboration with Saudi Arabia reflection of mutual trust

Ahead of his third visit to Saudi Arabia since 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the west Asia country as a trusted friend and strategic ally

Growing defence and security collaboration between India and Saudi Arabia is a reflection of deep mutual trust, and the two countries have a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability in the region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday.

Modi said trade between the two countries has grown even amid global challenges. (ANI)

In an interview with Arab News ahead of his arrival in Jeddah for a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Modi described the West Asian country as “one of India’s most valued partners – a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally”.

While lauding the Saudi Crown Prince’s role in bolstering bilateral ties, Modi invited Saudi businesses to invest in and partner with India in areas ranging from connectivity to space and global supply chains.

“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,” he said.

“The growing defense 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.”

The two countries have made steady progress in security cooperation, including areas such as counter-terrorism, 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,” he said.

Last year, India and Saudi Arabia achieved the important milestone of the first joint exercises between their land forces. These were complemented by two editions of the joint naval exercise Al-Mohed Al-Hindi, held in 2021 and 2023.

The two countries also back deeper defence industry collaboration, Modi said, highlighting India’s ability to manufacture ammunition, small arms, tanks, drones, fighter jets, patrol boats, and submarines.

Modi said the formation of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019 marked a major milestone that resulted in expanded cooperation across many sectors. “What anchors our relationship is mutual trust and goodwill. In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability,” he said.

Under Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership, Saudi Arabia has undergone social and economic transformation, and the Crown Prince is a “strong advocate of our bilateral ties” and a “great supporter of the Indian diaspora”, Modi said. “When we talk, we focus on making this partnership future-ready,” he added.

Saudi Arabia is a leading energy partner for India, which is contributing to the kingdom’s food security, and bilateral investments have increased, Modi said, noting that the “Indian growth story offers immense opportunities for Saudi majors to invest and partner, from space economy to global supply chain collaborations”. Saudi companies can also take advantage of opportunities in India’s next-generation infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare, utilities, and blue economy.

India and Saudi Arabia are also working on a bilateral investment treaty, while a proposed free trade agreement between India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has the potential to transform the economic relationship between India and Saudi Arabia as well as the region, Modi said.

Modi described Saudi Arabia as a “strong and reliable energy partner” for India that has been one of the top suppliers of crude and 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,” he said.

“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.”

Modi also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s role in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and said the two sides are working on a feasibility study for interconnectivity between the electricity grids of India and Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

“Both India and Saudi Arabia have a key role to play in the success of this corridor. We are committed to working with our Saudi partners to realise the vision of connectivity, including multi-modal logistic connectivity, data connectivity, and electrical grid connectivity,” he said.