PM Modi Likely To Visit Saudi Arabia Soon

Sources say that Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia was initially planned for an earlier date but had to be postponed due to scheduling conflicts between the two sides.

- ABHINANDAN MISHRA

A high-level delegation led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Saudi Arabia in the coming weeks. While the exact dates have not been finalised, the visit, which is expected to occur at the end of April or beginning of May, will take place in one of the powerhouses of the Gulf, a country that has emerged as one of India's closest allies over the past decade.

Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, has spearheaded significant reforms since assuming power, challenging aspects of the kingdom's ultraconservative Wahhabi traditions and promoting a more open social and economic outlook.

The talks between the two countries are likely to revolve around energy security, regional stability, and economic partnerships, building on past engagements, including investments, and other strategic issues. The trade disruption caused by the recent tariff-related decision taken by the United States will also likely be discussed. Indian goods have been subjected to a 17% tariff, in addition to the 10% baseline that is common to all countries, while no additional tariffs, apart from the 10% baseline, have been imposed on Saudi Arabia.

Sources say that Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia was initially planned for an earlier date but had to be postponed due to scheduling conflicts between the two sides. In the past decade, the heads of the two states have met five times, roughly once every two years, underscoring the mutual respect between the two countries. Since assuming office in May 2014, Modi has visited Saudi Arabia twice—once in April 2016 and again in October 2019.