Limitless Potential - Modi

PM Narendra Modi, in an exclusive interview with Arab News, calls Saudi Arabia a "trusted friend, strategic ally" and highlights deepening cooperation from energy to trade

- TDG NETWORK

In a significant diplomatic gesture ahead of his two-day visit to Jeddah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Saudi Arabia as "one of India's most valued partners" in a wide-ranging interview to Arab News, highlighting mutual strategic priorities, people-to-people ties, and economic convergence. From energy security and trade expansion to fintech and climate resilience, Modi stressed that bilateral relations have evolved from transactional trade to long-term trust and strategic depth.

Modi's remarks come at a time when global geopolitics is shifting toward multipolarity, with India and Saudi Arabia positioning themselves as proactive, independent players in shaping regional and global affairs. His visit is expected to further bolster the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, established in 2019, and deepen cooperation across sectors.

Strategic Partnership Council: A New Era of Institutional Engagement
At the heart of the modern India-Saudi relationship lies the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC)—a joint institutional mechanism launched in October 2019 during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to New Delhi.

"The SPC was a landmark step," Modi said. "It institutionalised cooperation and has created a structured framework for regular, high-level interaction between our governments."

The Council operates through two main tracks—the Political-Security Committee and the Economy and Investment Committee—enabling detailed, ongoing engagement on diverse areas such as energy, security, infrastructure, fintech, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and space.

Since its inception, the SPC has held multiple ministerial and working-level meetings, expanding its scope beyond traditional diplomacy. The Council has catalysed public-private cooperation, including major MoUs on the digital economy, cultural exchange, and start-up incubation.

Modi on Energy Security: From Oil Wells to Green Frontiers