Latest news with #India-SaudiArabiaStrategicPartnershipCouncil
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Link West marks India's strategic pivot in West Asia
India's engagement with West Asia during the tenure of Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi has been strategic and deeply pragmatic, anchored in a multipolar vision that elevates India from a peripheral actor to a pivotal influencer in the region. The Link West policy, a strategic complement to the Act East initiative, captures the essence of this pivot, reorienting India's ties with West Asian nations through a dynamic blend of diplomacy, economic partnerships, defence cooperation, and cultural kinship. At the heart of this recalibration are India's robust bilateral relationships with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia (AFP) West Asia supplies nearly half of India's crude oil, and is home to over nine million Indian expatriates, whose remittances play a crucial role in India's economy. Traditionally, India's engagement with the region was shaped by ideological leanings and measured diplomacy. However, this approach has undergone a transformative shift. Embracing a bold new doctrine often referred to as Act West-Act Fast, the Modi government has infused India's West Asia policy with a renewed sense of urgency and strategic intent. At the heart of this recalibration are India's robust bilateral relationships with the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia — two nations that now form the economic and strategic backbone of India's regional engagement. With Saudi Arabia, India's fourth-largest trading partner, relations have surged, with bilateral trade reaching $43 billion in 2023-24. The establishment of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council in 2019 has fostered a broad spectrum of collaboration in areas including energy, IT, defence, and counterterrorism. Modi's current visit to Riyadh, though cut short due to the terror attack in Pahalgam, underscores the importance India places on this partnership. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), India's third-largest trading partner with $84 billion in trade in 2023-24, is the lynchpin of Delhi's West Asia outreach. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), signed in 2022, has accelerated trade and investment. The UAE has emerged not only as a major investor in India's infrastructure and energy sectors, but also as a dependable strategic partner. Another milestone in India's West Asia engagement is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), a transformative initiative which connects India to Europe through the Gulf, enhancing trade and infrastructure links via a network of railways, ports, and digital highways. The IMEEC not only promises logistical and economic benefits but also serves as a counterweight to China's Belt and Road Initiative, aligning India with the strategic imperatives of the US and the EU. Despite challenges posed by regional conflicts, including the ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation, India and its partners have demonstrated unwavering commitment, cemented by the framework agreements signed during Modi's 2024 UAE visit. India's strategic embrace of Israel is another cornerstone of its West Asia strategy. Ties have matured significantly under PM Modi, with cooperation spanning defence, water management, agriculture, and cybersecurity. His historic visit to Israel in 2017 — the first ever by an Indian PM — set the tone for a bold and unapologetic relationship. The I2U2 grouping, comprising India, Israel, the UAE, and the US, is emblematic of India's shift toward nimble, interest-driven coalitions. Simultaneously, India has deftly balanced its partnerships with Iran through its role in the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), a 7,200-kilometre multi-modal network linking Indian ports to Central Asia and Russia via Iran. The Chabahar Port, developed with Indian assistance, serves as a gateway for trade with landlocked Afghanistan and Central Asia, effectively bypassing Pakistan. This strategic investment underscores India's long-term commitment to regional connectivity, even as it navigates the intricacies of US-Iran tensions and sanctions. The INSTC is a cornerstone of India's Connect Central Asia policy and a strategic asset in maintaining its presence across Eurasia. India has continued to sustain its longstanding partnership with Afghanistan through efforts in infrastructure development, educational support, and humanitarian aid. After the Taliban's return to office, India has demonstrated notable diplomatic finesse by keeping communication channels open, both for humanitarian outreach and for initiatives aimed at promoting regional stability. At the same time, it remains watchful of China's expanding footprint in Afghanistan, and has, to a considerable extent, managed to thwart Pakistan's attempts to gain strategic depth in the country. In the wake of the recent State-sponsored terror attack in Kashmir by Pakistan, India's West Asian partners responded with a strong and united message of condemnation and solidarity. Unlike in the past, when many of their reactions were subdued or constrained, West Asia stood resolutely with India. Their clear and unequivocal denunciation of the attack marks a notable shift in their stance on Kashmir and terrorism — a result of India's sustained diplomatic outreach. Anil K Antony is a national secretary and national spokesperson of the BJP. The views expressed are personal
The Hindu
23-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
India to work with Saudi Arabia to enhance stability of global oil markets
India has agreed to work with Saudi Arabia to enhance the stability of global oil markets and to balance global energy market dynamics, according to a joint statement issued on Wednesday (April 23, 2025). The statement came after the conclusion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia which was cut short following the terror attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam, where terrorists killed 26 people, mostly tourists. PM Modi in Saudi Arabia LIVE on April 22, 2025 "The Indian side agreed to work with the kingdom to enhance the stability of global oil markets and to balance global energy market dynamics. They emphasised the need to ensure security of supply for all energy sources in global markets. They agreed on the importance of enhancing cooperation in several areas in the energy sector, including the supply of crude oil and its derivatives," the joint statement said. The two sides emphasised the importance of cooperation in the field of green and clean hydrogen, including stimulating demand, developing hydrogen transport and storage technologies, exchanging expertise and experiences to implement best practices. "The two sides also acknowledged the need to work on developing supply chains and projects linked to the energy sector, enabling cooperation between companies, enhancing cooperation in the field of energy efficiency and rationalizing energy consumption in the buildings, industry, and transportation sectors, and raising awareness of its importance," the statement said. On climate change, both sides reaffirmed the importance of adhering to the principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement and the need to develop and implement climate agreements with a focus on emissions rather than sources. "The Indian side commended the Kingdom's launch of the 'Saudi Green Initiative' and the 'Middle East Green Initiative' and expressed its support for the kingdom's efforts in the field of climate change. The two sides stressed the importance of joint cooperation to develop applications of the circular carbon economy by promoting policies that use the circular carbon economy as a tool to manage emissions and achieve climate change objectives," the joint statement said. This was Modi's third visit to Saudi Arabia. It followed the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in September 2023 to participate in the G-20 Summit and co-chair the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council. Both sides underscored the importance of co-operation in technology including in new and emerging domains such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semi-conductors etc. Highlighting the importance of digital governance, both sides agreed to explore collaboration in this area. "They also expressed satisfaction on signing of the MOU between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and Communications, Space and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia for cooperation in regulatory and digital sectors. "Both sides also agreed to enhance cooperation in tourism including through capacity building and sustainable tourism. They also noted the expansion of various opportunities in media, entertainment, and sports, supported by the strong people-to-people ties between the two countries," the statement said. The two sides affirmed their full support for the international and regional efforts aimed at reaching a comprehensive political solution to the crisis in Yemen. Also Read | Saudi Arabia is a force of positivity and stability: PM Modi "The Indian side appreciated Saudi's many initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between the Yemeni parties, and its role in providing and facilitating access of humanitarian aid to all regions of Yemen. The Saudi side also appreciated the Indian effort in providing humanitarian aid to Yemen. "The two sides agreed on the importance of cooperation to promote ways to ensure the security and safety of waterways and freedom of navigation in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)," it said.
Gulf Today
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Modi holds high-level meeting at airport in India over Pahalgam attack
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, upon his early return from Saudi Arabia, convened a high-level security briefing at the Palam airport, New Delhi to assess the situation following the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K's) Pahalgam. The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the unfolding situation. The terror attack, which took place on Tuesday in the scenic Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, left over two dozen dead, including tourists and an Intelligence officer and injured dozens more. Eyewitnesses reported a sudden onslaught of gunfire as terrorists emerged from nearby forests and opened fire on a group of civilians. Initial reports indicate that The Resistance Front, a Pakistan-based outfit believed to be an offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba, has claimed responsibility. PM Modi, who was in Jeddah for the second India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, had to cut short his visit in light of the attack. He cancelled a scheduled state dinner and an address to the Indian community to return to New Delhi and take charge of the situation. In response to the attack, security has been significantly heightened across sensitive areas in J&K. Barbed wire barricades have been erected, and strict vehicle checks are being carried out, particularly at Sarjeevan near Uri Nala in Baramulla. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday vowed that the perpetrators of the brutal terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam would be brought to justice and added that India will never bend to cowardly acts of terror. Amit Shah pays last respects Shah, who visited the survivors and families of the victims in Srinagar, expressed grief and pledged strict action against the perpetrators of the heinous massacre. "With a heavy heart, paid last respects to the deceased of the Pahalgam terror attack. Bharat will not bend to terror. The culprits of this dastardly terror attack will not be spared," Shah wrote in a post on X. Rahul Gandhi offers support to kin of victims In the aftermath of the horrific terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's (J&K) Pahalgam that claimed 16 lives and left scores injured, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and J&K Pradesh Congress Committee President Tariq Karra to discuss the situation and extended fullest support to families of victims. Taking to social media platform X, LoP Gandhi wrote: "Spoke with HM Amit Shah, J&K CM Omar Abdullah, and J&K PCC President Tariq Karra about the horrific Pahalgam terror attack. Received an update on the situation. The families of victims deserve justice and our fullest support." Evacuating tourists Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, has stated steps have been taken to evacuate tourists, including people from Karnataka, from various tourist spots in Kashmir. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is monitoring the situation and taking appropriate decisions. Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Wednesday, Joshi further stated that the airlines have been instructed not to increase air ticket fares while facilitating the safe evacuation of tourists from Pahalgam in Kashmir. Providing further details, the minister said that tourists are already being moved from tourist locations in Kashmir to safer areas. Necessary arrangements are also being made to bring back the bodies of the deceased. Rescue operations are underway to evacuate tourists from the site of the terrorist attack and other tourist locations in Kashmir. Airlines have been directed not to impose higher ticket prices for transporting tourists to safety, he said. "I have spoken with the Civil Aviation Minister to ensure that there is no increase in air ticket fares. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has also been instructed to monitor the matter closely," Joshi added. Karnataka victims The state government has confirmed the death of two persons from Karnataka in the Pahalgam tourist attack. The Chief Minister's Office (CMO) has stated that the body of Bharat Bhushan will be brought to Bengaluru via Mumbai in the flight scheduled at 3 pm today. The body of Manjunath Rao will be brought to Shivamogga city via New Delhi and the flight is scheduled at 6 pm. The CMO has further stated that another victim, Madhusudhan Rao, who was residing at Ramamurthy Nagar in Bengaluru hails from Andhra Pradesh. Minister for Labour Santosh Lad reached Pahalgam in Kashmir and was coordinating with the family members of the deceased to complete the procedures for their earliest return. The Director from the Tourism department, Karnataka government has asked the tour operators and travel agents to provide details of all tourists who travelled to Jammu and Kashmir. He has also requested the relatives, friends and family of those, who are touring Jammu and Kashmir, to provide their details through the helplines. Additional forces have been deployed in vulnerable zones to prevent any further incidents. Meanwhile, in a show of collective mourning and protest, several organisations in Udhampur district have called for a complete bandh, demanding justice for the victims. Indo-Asian News Service
United News of India
23-04-2025
- Business
- United News of India
PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince MBS decide to create new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation
Jeddah/New Delhi, Apr 23 (UNI) The India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday evening, decided to create a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under it. The second leaders meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) reviewed the work of the various committees, subcommittees and working groups under the SPC, which encompass political, defence, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, agriculture, culture and people-to-people ties. The discussions were followed by signing of the minutes by the two leaders, PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. To reflect the deepening of defence partnership over the past few years – including joint exercises, training programmes, and collaboration in defence industry, the Council decided to create a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under the SPC, a statement said. To strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties, which has significant momentum in recent years, the Council decided to create a new Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation under the SPC. The four committees under the India-Saudi Arabia SPC shall now be as follows: (1) Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee. (2) Defence Cooperation Committee. (3) Economy, Energy, Investment and Technology Committee. (4) Tourism and Cultural Cooperation Committee. The two leaders also held a meeting under Joint High Level Task Force on Investment (HLTFI), a mechanism which was agreed upon during the visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to India in September 2023. Building on the commitment of Saudi Arabia to invest USD 100 billion in India in multiple areas including energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, technology, fintech, digital infrastructure, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and health, the joint High-Level Task Force on Investment came to an understanding in multiple areas to rapidly promote such investment flows. Both sides agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India. The progress made by HLTF in areas such as taxation is a major breakthrough for greater investment cooperation in the future. The List of MoUs/Agreements signed during the meeting Tuesday between PM Modi and the Crown Prince were: *MoU between the Saudi Space Agency and the Department of Space of India on Cooperation in the field of Space Activities for Peaceful Purposes. *MoU between the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India on Cooperation in the field of Health. *MoU between the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee (SAADC) and the National Anti-Doping Agency, India (NADA) on Cooperation in the field of Anti-Doping Education and Prevention. *Agreement between the Saudi Post Corporation (SPL) and the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications of India on Cooperation in Inward Surface Parcel. The Strategic Partnership Council was set up in October 2019 during the state visit of PM Modi to Saudi Arabia to steer the bilateral relationship. The SPC has two pillars: i) Political-Security-Socio-Cultural (PSSC); and ii) Economic and Investment, with two more being added on Tuesday evening after the talks. The EAM and the Saudi Foreign Minister co-chair the Political-Security-Socio-Cultural (PSSC) pillar whereas the Economic pillar is co-chaired by Commerce & Industry Minister on Indian side and Energy Minister on Saudi side. There are eight JWGs/Subcommittees under the two pillars which conduct regular official level meetings. The first summit meeting of the SPC was held in New Delhi in September 2023, co-chaired by PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman. UNI RN
Times of Oman
23-04-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
PM Modi, Saudi Crown Prince lead Strategic Council Meeting in Jeddah
New Delhi : Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Jeddah on Tuesday, an official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated. However, in light of a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, the Prime Minister departed early from Saudi Arabia, cutting short his state visit and cancelling a scheduled official dinner. During the Council meeting, the leaders reviewed the extensive progress made across political, defence, trade, energy, technology, agriculture, and people-to-people exchanges. They signed the official minutes of the session, underscoring mutual commitment to strengthening cooperation under the SPC framework. Reflecting the expanding defence ties - including joint military exercises, training programs, and collaboration in the defence industry - the leaders announced the creation of a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation. Additionally, recognising the increasing cultural and social engagement between the two nations, the Council established a new Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation. The SPC will now function through four key committees: Political, Consular and Security Cooperation; Defence Cooperation; Economy, Energy, Investment and Technology; and Tourism and Cultural Cooperation. These structural updates point to the deepening and diversifying nature of the India-Saudi relationship, the press release stated. On the economic front, the High-Level Task Force on Investment (HLTF) reported significant progress in advancing Saudi Arabia's pledge to invest USD 100 billion in India. The two sides agreed to jointly develop two refineries in India, with the HLTF also achieving breakthroughs on taxation matters - an important step toward enabling more seamless investment across sectors such as energy, manufacturing, fintech, and healthcare. Despite the positive developments, Prime Minister Modi was compelled to shorten his visit following news of the terror attack in Pahalgam. According to Government of India sources, the Prime Minister cancelled his participation in the official dinner hosted by the Saudi leadership and departed from Jeddah earlier than scheduled.
