“A trusted ally in an uncertain world”: Modi praises Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

New Delhi, Apr 22: In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Modi described Saudi Arabia as “a trusted friend and strategic ally,” and called the bilateral relationship “a pillar of stability in a world full of uncertainties.” He heaped praise on Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, calling him “a visionary” and “a strong advocate of our bilateral ties.”

The interview was as much an appreciation of personal rapport as it was a roadmap for policy. “Every time I have met him, His Royal Highness has left a deep impression on me,” Modi remarked. He credited the Crown Prince’s Vision 2030 reforms for inspiring admiration well beyond the Middle East, describing them as “transformational” and “remarkable.” That personal chemistry, Modi suggested, has helped fast-track areas of cooperation across a wide spectrum, from energy and defence to emerging technology and infrastructure.

Strategic Synergy, from Oil to Optics

Modi acknowledged the resilience of India-Saudi trade ties even in turbulent times, with sectors like energy, agriculture, and fertilisers continuing to drive mutual growth. Yet, the tone of the interview was future-oriented. Modi also welcomed deep partnerships in newer domains such as green hydrogen, circular economy initiatives, and technology partnerships, noting the “limitless potential” of the relationship.

On energy, that continues to be bedrock of bilateral ties, Modi reaffirmed India’s dependence on Saudi Arabia as a reliable supplier of oil and petroleum products, while also outlining a shared vision for the green transition. The two countries, he said, are already cooperating on hydrogen, renewables, and the feasibility of transnational energy grid connectivity, initiatives bolstered by the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) launched during the G20 Summit in New Delhi. “The corridor will define the future of connectivity for centuries to come,” Modi said, emphasising its role in building resilient supply chains and integrating regional economies from Mumbai to Marseille.

Equally striking is the growing security dimension of India-Saudi ties. Modi confirmed progress in areas like counterterrorism, cyber defence, and joint military exercises, including the first-ever land force drills and successive naval exercises in recent years. He expressed support for Saudi investment into India's burgeoning defence manufacturing sector, an invitation that aligns with New Delhi’s “Make in India” policy.

The Human Bond

Modi reserved his warmest words for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, which now numbers 2.7 million. In his departure statement and during the Arab News interview, he repeatedly acknowledged the Crown Prince’s personal attention to the welfare of the Indian diaspora, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. “He has said they are part of the Saudi family,” Modi noted, calling it a moment of personal pride.

He also previewed new initiatives to support the diaspora under the “4C” framework—Care, Connect, Celebrate, and Contribute—including insurance, scholarships, and migration safety schemes.

Cultural Currents and Educational Bridges

Modi spoke of shared cultural affinities, from Indian rice and Saudi dates to Bollywood, yoga, and cricket. He praised Saudi Arabia’s openness to cultural and religious tourism, and hinted at deeper educational collaboration, potentially even the opening of Indian institutions like IITs and IIMs in the Kingdom.

Modi’s visit signals more than just another bilateral engagement. It reflects India’s recalibrated foreign policy priorities, its growing presence in West Asia, and its efforts to align ancient civilizational ties with 21st-century strategic imperatives.

While embarking the plane for the Saudi Arabia, Modi in departuring statement said, “Today, I embark on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman. India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy and people to people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.

This will be my third visit to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and a first one to the historic city of Jeddah. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and build upon the highly successful State visit of my brother His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023. I am also eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties.”

His visit comes amid a broader recalibration of global partnerships, where India and Saudi Arabia find themselves increasingly aligned—not only as trading partners, but also as co-architects of emerging energy systems, supply chains, and connectivity corridors.