Strategic partnership is a new high in Saudi-India ties

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman being greeted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on his arrival in India. (Indian Foreign Ministry)
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Updated 26 January 2020
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Strategic partnership is a new high in Saudi-India ties

  • Kingdom is a long-term, reliable partner in catering to India’s energy needs

JEDDAH: Last year marked the start of a new era in bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia, with two very successful high level visits. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited India in February, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Saudi Arabia in October.

As a result, the relationship between the two countries was elevated to that of a strategic partnership.

The momentum for this evolution of the relationship began during Modi’s visit to the Kingdom in April 2016, during which he was presented with the Sash of King Abdul Aziz, the highest civilian decoration awarded by King Salman. 

This recognition was an indication of the importance the Kingdom attaches to its relations with India.

The momentum increased a year ago with the crown prince’s visit to India, during which he and Modi discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation in all fields, along with other issues of mutual interest.

The growing bilateral ties were reflected in the announcement of Saudi investments in India worth $100 billion, an increase in India’s Hajj quota from 170,000 to 200,000; the release of 850 Indian prisoners held in Saudi prisons for minor offenses, and the confirmation of India as one of the Kingdom’s strategic partner countries under Vision 2030, complete with a proposal to set up a high-level partnership council.

After an invitation by King Salman, Modi made an official visit to Riyadh in October last year. 

The two leaders underlined the close and friendly bilateral ties that are deep-rooted in the shared history of their nations, and which are sustained and nourished by a growing economic partnership, multifaceted cooperation and vibrant people-to-people contacts.

Modi also delivered a keynote address at the third session of the Future Investment Initiative, in which he reiterated India’s intention to work hand-in-hand with Saudi Arabia on Vision 2030.

Modi and the crown prince signed an agreement for the establishment of a joint Strategic Partnership Council, which they will lead. It will provide the framework under which bilateral cooperation across all sectors will be arranged.

Eleven other agreements were signed during Modi’s visit in a number of fields including security cooperation, defense industry collaboration, civil aviation, renewable energy, diplomatic institutions, anti-drug trafficking, strategic petroleum reserves, small and medium enterprises, stock exchanges and the launch of Rupay card.

Saudi Arabia is a long-time, reliable partner in catering to India’s energy needs. 

The Kingdom has been a leading supplier of crude oil for decades, and India imported 18 percent of its energy needs from Saudi Arabia in 2018/19. A steady supply of crude to India was maintained despite the attacks on oil installations in the Kingdom in September 2019.

Over the years, India and Saudi Arabia have progressed from a buyer-seller relationship to a strategic partnership in terms of prospective Saudi investments in the downstream energy sector. As a major step toward this, Saudi Aramco has ventured into India’s refinery business.

Indian Consortium, consisting of Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi Aramco in April 2018 to jointly develop the $44 billion West Coast Refinery Petrochemical Project Limited in the state of Maharashtra. In June 2018, the UAE’s ADNOC signed an agreement with Aramco to become a partner in the development of the project. 

The 1.2 million barrels-per-day (bpd) greenfield integrated refinery and petrochemicals complex will be supplied with 600,000 bpd of Saudi crude.

Saudi Aramco also signed a memorandum of understanding with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited in October last year to participate in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves. In addition, Aramco has been exploring ways to enter the Indian market through collaborations with the private sector, as well as acquiring stakes in Indian public sector undertakings under government’s disinvestment scheme.

Bilateral trade has been enhanced over the years, both in volume and composition. Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trading partner. In 2018-19, bilateral trade increased by 23.83 percent to $34.03 billion. During this period, India’s imports from the Kingdom reached $28.47 billion, a rise of 29 percent over the previous year, while exports to Saudi Arabia stood at $5.55 billion, an increase of 2.61 percent. Bilateral trade for the period from April to November last year is valued at $22.03 billion.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered a keynote address at the third session of the Future Investment Initiative, in which he reiterated India’s intention to work hand-in-hand with Saudi Arabia on Vision 2030.

• Over the years, India and Saudi Arabia have progressed from a buyer-seller relationship to a strategic partnership in terms of prospective Saudi investments in the downstream energy sector.

Several major Indian companies operate in the Kingdom in a number of sectors. According to a recent report by the Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority, in 2019, 140 Indian companies were granted licenses to enter the Saudi market, the highest for any single country.

Renewable energy is another sector in which there is a convergence of interests. India and Saudi Arabia have set an ambitious target for increasing the renewable energy content of their respective power-generation portfolios, and this warrants a strong partnership. In February last year, the Kingdom became the 73rd member of the International Solar Alliance. India and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the field of renewable energy the following October.

Defense relations constitute a significant element of the shared strategic vision for the region, and are testimony to India’s strong ties with the Kingdom. In the extant regional and international geostrategic disposition, strategic relations between India and Saudi Arabia are progressing well.

Regular consultations on defense matters take place through established channels of cooperation, and a range of avenues have been explored and initiated. Rapid progress has been made through high-level visits by defense chiefs, expert exchange programs, training, delegation-level interactions, joint exercises.

There is also collaboration in counterterrorism efforts, regional maritime security, cybersecurity, joint defense manufacturing, in addition to a focus on mutual regional and international security issues.

Contacts between the peoples of the two countries come in a variety of forms, including cultural exchanges and Hajj and Umrah pilgrims. They form the bedrock of Indo-Saudi bilateral relations. The cultural similarities and the geographical proximity to India have made the Kingdom a preferred destination for Indians looking for employment opportunities in other countries. The 2.6 million-strong Indian diaspora is the largest expatriate community in the Saudi Arabia.

Two years after the landmark visit by Modi to Riyadh in 2016, India was named guest of honor at the 2018 edition of Janadriyah, the prestigious annual Saudi festival of culture and heritage.

The organization of Hajj pilgrims is the largest operation handled by Indian government outside of its own borders and is one of the key components of the bilateral relationship. 

Last year, a record 200,000 Indian pilgrims were able to realize the most cherished dream of their lives by successfully completing Hajj. India’s Hajj quota was increased from 170,000 during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India last February.


East Arafat Hospital’s mobile unit performs 14 emergency cardiac procedures during Hajj

Updated 07 June 2025
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East Arafat Hospital’s mobile unit performs 14 emergency cardiac procedures during Hajj

  • Onsite response eliminates need to transfer patients to specialized centers
  • Indonesian pilgrim who suffered cardiac arrest airlifted to Taif 

MAKKAH: A mobile unit of East Arafat Hospital’s Cardiology Department has successfully performed 14 emergency cardiac catheterization procedures since it began operations on the first day of Hajj, the Makkah Health Cluster has announced.

The procedures are being conducted under the direct field supervision of King Abdullah Medical City based in Makkah city, the health cluster said in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, or SPA.

Composed of a specialized cardiology team, supported by qualified Saudi professionals in anesthesia, nursing, and urgent cardiac care, the mobile cardiac catheterization unit is deployed at the holy sites to provide immediate on-site intervention. 

Officials said the initiative eliminates the need to transfer patients to specialized centers, “thereby enhancing patient safety and ensuring continuous medical care.”

Meanwhile, the Air Medical Evacuation team at the Ministry of Defense rescued an Indonesian pilgrim who suffered a cardiac arrest on June 5 in Makkah.

The patient was airlifted from Al Noor Hospital in Makkah to King Abdulaziz Specialist Hospital in Taif city.

Air evacuation units stationed near the holy sites ensure rapid emergency response, improving rescue times and increasing survival rates.

Health officials had earlier announced the successful test of a new service transporting medicine with drones during Hajj, which started June 4 and will run until June 9.

As reported earlier by Arab News, Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel the drone delivery trials over the past two years tested for safe takeoff and landing, as well as high temperatures. The drones are equipped with cooling systems, he said.

The drone initiative is a part of the comprehensive healthcare transformation taking place in the Kingdom, under the Saudi Vision 2030 program.


Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi transport minister tours Hajj shuttle service for pilgrims

RIYADH: As Hajj rituals continue to take place in the holy sites in Makkah, Saudi Arabia’s transport minister on Friday night toured a shuttle bus service used to move pilgrims from Mina to the Grand Mosque in Makkah. 
Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser inspected the shuttle station west of the Jamarat complex, as pilgrims attempt to complete the Tawaf Al-Ifadah inside the holy mosque in Makkah. 
The services uses a dedicated lane to transport approximately 20,000 passengers per hour on 100 busses  on the short 20 minute journey northward to the Ground Mosque. 
The minister’s visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to ensure the quality of services provided to pilgrims, a report on the Saudi Press Agency said.
Over 1.6 million pilgrims are taking part in this year's Hajj, which is an annual event and a key pillar of Islam. 
Saudi authorities have said the event has been a success with various ministries and state institutions taking part in ensuring the safety and timely provision of services to pilgrims.
In an address on Friday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said: “The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors.”
The pilgrims, who are affectionately  referred to as the Guests of Allah, are encamped in the tent city of Mina and will be performing the “stoning of the devil” ritual at the Jamarat over the next few days.
They spent Thursday standing at the plain of Arafat, an act considered as the climax of Hajj, supplicating and asking forgiveness from Allah. 
On Friday, Muslims across the globe marked Eid Al-Adha, which is always celebrated the day after Arafat.


How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact

Updated 07 June 2025
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How pilgrims can embrace sustainability during Hajj to reduce their environmental impact

  • Hajj generates millions of tonnes of plastic waste each year, making sustainable solutions critical to protecting the holy sites
  • Pilgrims are being encouraged to think beyond convenience and adopt habits that support the health of the planet and community

RIYADH: As millions of Muslims gather in Makkah for Hajj, concern is growing over the environmental toll of one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings — particularly the vast quantities of plastic waste left behind.

From water bottles to shopping bags, single-use plastics are a staple at major public events, and Hajj is no exception. Given the sheer volume of pilgrims, this waste can have lasting environmental consequences, unless mitigated by more sustainable choices.

Fortunately, awareness is growing among individuals and organizations about the harm caused by plastic pollution. Many are now turning to greener alternatives to reduce their footprint during the holy season.

Among the most commonly used items are plastic water bottles. With millions expected to be discarded during Hajj, experts and advocates say it is important to replace single-use items with reusable options or eliminate their use altogether.

One local company working to address the issue is Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based provider of sustainable packaging. The company provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics.

“We proudly align our efforts with the Saudi Green Initiative, contributing to a greener future through both innovation and local production,” Aboobacker Yousuf, chairman and managing director of the GP Group of Companies that owns Green Bags Saudi, told Arab News.

Green Bags Saudi, a Jeddah-based manufacturer, provides reusable bags made from jute, cotton, and canvas as part of its mission to support Saudi Arabia’s move away from disposable plastics. (Supplied)

Although the company will not be directly involved in this year’s pilgrimage, Yousuf said it strongly advocates for more eco-conscious practices during Hajj.

“We recommend reusable cotton tote bags for carrying personal items, biodegradable hygiene kits, jute or canvas pouches for organizing belongings, and eco-friendly water bottles and cutlery sets,” he said.

“These items not only serve practical needs but also significantly reduce the environmental impact caused by disposable plastics during the event.”

Pilgrims are encouraged to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability. (SPA)

Yousuf also encouraged pilgrims to be more conscious of their consumption and waste, and to choose products that support sustainability.

“Choosing reusable items over disposable ones, properly disposing of waste, and minimizing plastic use can make a significant difference,” he said.

“By carrying cloth bags, refilling water bottles instead of buying plastic ones, and using compostable or biodegradable products, every pilgrim can contribute to preserving the holy sites and supporting Saudi Arabia’s broader sustainability vision.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• 506 million tonnes of plastic were produced worldwide in 2022, but only 9 percent were recycled.

• Millions of tonnes of plastic enter the oceans every year, posing a threat to marine life.

• Plastic waste affects soil quality, damages plants, and contributes to groundwater pollution.

• By 2050, the weight of plastic waste present in our oceans could surpass that of fish.

While private companies are taking the lead in promoting eco-friendly alternatives, the public sector is also playing a key role in aligning Hajj services with the sustainability goals of Vision 2030 — a national strategy that seeks to boost quality of life across the Kingdom.

One standout example is the Sustainable Ihram Initiative, launched last month by the Fashion Commission. The program focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets.

By embracing the principles of circular fashion, the initiative merges faith, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship — aiming to provide visitors with exceptional experiences while protecting natural resources.

The Sustainable Ihram Initiative focuses on collecting and recycling textile waste generated by pilgrims, including ihrams, pillows, blankets, and sheets. (SPA photo)

“The Sustainable Ihram Initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration, reflecting the collective efforts of local and international partners committed to advancing the circular economy within the fashion industry,” said Burak Cakmak, CEO of the Fashion Commission, in comments to the Saudi Press Agency.

As Hajj begins, such efforts underscore a growing sense of shared responsibility for the environment. With the support of private enterprise and government initiatives, more pilgrims are being empowered to make sustainable choices.

By opting for reusable products, minimizing waste, and supporting eco-friendly innovations, pilgrims can help protect the sanctity of the holy sites — and contribute to a more sustainable future for the Kingdom and the planet.

 


Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

Prince Salman bin Sultan receives well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha in Madinah. (Supplied)
Updated 06 June 2025
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Madinah governor hosts Eid Al-Adha reception, highlights Hajj services

  • The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received well-wishers celebrating Eid Al-Adha and reaffirmed the Kingdom’s dedication to serving pilgrims and maintaining the Two Holy Mosques.

During the reception, the governor underscored the commitment of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensuring exceptional care for pilgrims visiting Islam’s most sacred sites.

The ceremony drew a diverse gathering, including senior clerics, government ministers, tribal chiefs, local officials and citizens, who came to offer their best wishes to the prince.

The governor praised the facilities and services provided to pilgrims performing Hajj and commended the efforts of the relevant authorities.

 


Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

Updated 06 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince praises efforts behind Hajj success

  • Prince Mohammed also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday lauded the success of this year’s Hajj season, crediting it to the Kingdom’s commitment to serving the Two Holy Mosques and the pilgrims who visit them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The continued success we witnessed today in serving the Guests of God is the result of our blessed country’s efforts in serving the Two Holy Mosques, the holy sites and their visitors,” the crown prince said.

“We will continue to exert all efforts to provide comfort to the Guests of God.”

His remarks came during a reception held at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, where he received Eid Al-Adha well-wishers on behalf of King Salman.

The gathering included senior princes, the Kingdom’s Grand Mufti, high-ranking officials, military commanders involved in the Hajj operation and guests from Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

The crown prince also praised the dedication of government employees and volunteers across all sectors for their role in enabling pilgrims to complete their Hajj rituals safely and peacefully.