Modi and MBS: A Closer Look at India-Saudi Arabia Relations

Introduction

In the complex landscape of international relations, the enduring partnership between India and Saudi Arabia stands out as a beacon of collaboration. This dynamic relationship, characterized by deep-rooted historical ties, is currently undergoing a transformative phase, marked by diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagements. 

The recent high-level conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to addressing shared concerns and shaping a forward-looking bilateral partnership agenda. 

"Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi welcomed Crown Prince & Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia HRH Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud at Hyderabad House in New Delhi" by MEAphotogallery is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

Historical Roots

Trade and cultural exchanges between ancient India and Arabia date back to the third millennium BC. By 1000 AD, the trade ties between southern India and Arabia played a crucial role in the Arabian economy, particularly with Arab traders dominating the spice trade between India and Europe until the rise of European imperialist empires. Early connections between India and the Third Saudi State were established, marked by British India providing significant financial subsidies to Nejd in the 1930s.

Diplomatic relations between modern India and Saudi Arabia were formalized shortly after India gained independence in 1947. Over the years, the two nations have strengthened their bonds through collaboration in regional affairs and trade. Saudi Arabia, being a major oil supplier to India, ranks among its top seven trading partners and is the fifth-largest investor in the Kingdom. Historically, four Indian Prime Ministers have visited Saudi Arabia: Jawaharlal Nehru (1955), Indira Gandhi (1982), Manmohan Singh (2010), and Narendra Modi (2016). Both countries share a common commitment to combating terrorism. Given their geographical and demographic ties, Islam is the second-largest religion in India, with the nation hosting the world's second-largest Muslim population. This connection results in a significant number of Indian pilgrims undertaking annual journeys for Umrah and Hajj.

Challenges and Milestones

India's diplomatic connections with Saudi Arabia have been shaped by Saudi Arabia's ties with Pakistan. The strain in relations between India and Saudi Arabia emerged due to Saudi Arabia's support for Pakistan during the Kashmir conflict and the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971. Additionally, the Soviet Union's strong alliance with India had a negative impact on the Indo-Saudi relationship. India's neutral stance during the Persian Gulf War (1990–91) further complicated the ties, particularly in light of Saudi Arabia's robust military and strategic affiliations with Pakistan.

From the 1990s onward, both nations have worked to improve their relationship. Saudi Arabia has supported India's observer status in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and increased cooperation to counter Islamic terrorism in the Middle East. A significant turning point occurred in January 2006 when King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia visited India, marking the first visit by a Saudi monarch in 51 years.

During this visit, the "Delhi Declaration," a strategic energy partnership, was established. This declaration aimed to ensure a reliable and increased supply of crude oil to India through long-term contracts. The two countries also committed to joint ventures and the collaborative development of oil and natural gas in both public and private sectors. This visit was celebrated as the beginning of a "new era in India-Saudi Arabia relations." In 2019, Saudi Arabia increased India's Hajj quota, making it the second-highest country in terms of the number of pilgrims, with 200,000 pilgrims in that year.

Recent Diplomatic Developments

The recent conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman went beyond mere diplomatic niceties, highlighting their shared concerns about terrorism, violence, and the West Asia situation. It further emphasized their mutual commitment to regional peace, security, and stability. Points of discussion, such as India's principled stance on the Israel-Palestine issue and the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, showcase the multifaceted nature of their diplomatic engagement. This comprehensive approach reflects the depth of their commitment to addressing global challenges together, thereby solidifying their diplomatic bonds.

PM Modi takes to X

Prime Minister Modi, in a recent X post, shared details of a constructive conversation with HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, discussing the future of the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. The leaders exchanged views on the West Asia situation, expressing shared concerns about terrorism, violence, and civilian casualties. They committed to collaborative efforts for peace, security, and stability in the region.

Addressing the forward-looking bilateral partnership agenda, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's long standing stance on the Israel-Palestine issue and advocated for sustained humanitarian aid to the affected population. Emphasizing the importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation, the leaders pledged to work together on these fronts, as highlighted by the Prime Minister's Office.

Additionally, PM Modi conveyed congratulations to Saudi Arabia for being chosen as the host for Expo 2030 and the FIFA Football World Cup 2034. The leaders took stock of the progress in the bilateral strategic partnership, building on the momentum from the Crown Prince's state visit to India in September 2023, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office.

Bilateral Investment

The economic dimension of India-Saudi relations is a critical aspect, with both nations requiring reciprocal investment for infrastructure and overall development. This article extensively explores the trajectory of bilateral investments, spanning historical flows to recent interests expressed by Indian firms in the Saudi market. The focus on diverse sectors, including paper manufacturing, chemicals, software development, and more, exemplifies the breadth and depth of their economic collaboration, contributing to the resilience and sustainability of the relationship.

Diplomatic Dynamics

Delving into historical factors that impacted Indo-Saudi relations, such as Saudi Arabia's historical support for Pakistan and the influence of the Soviet Union, provides a nuanced understanding of the diplomatic dynamics at play. The 2019 visit by Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman aimed at strengthening ties and resulted in agreements to enhance trade relations and increase the number of Indian pilgrims performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia. These diplomatic initiatives underscore the adaptability and forward-looking nature of the bilateral relationship, demonstrating the ability of both nations to navigate complex historical narratives.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the India-Saudi Arabia relationship has not only weathered historical challenges but has evolved into a multifaceted partnership that embraces diplomatic, economic, and strategic dimensions. The recent conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reflects their commitment to addressing shared concerns and shaping a forward-looking bilateral partnership agenda. 

As both nations navigate the complexities of the modern world, the depth of their historical ties serves as a resilient foundation for a dynamic and enduring relationship. Under the leadership of PM Modi, greater cooperation with Middle Eastern nations has benefitted the quest for an independent Indian foreign policy.