April 23, 2025 - The second leaders meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) was co-chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, yesterday, April 22, in Jeddah.

SPC reviewed the work of its various committees, sub-committees and working groups 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.

To reflect the deepening of defence partnership over the past few years – including joint exercises, training programmes and collaboration in defence industry - the SPC decided to create a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation under its umbrella.

It was also jointly decided to form a new Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation in order to strengthen cultural and people-to-people ties.

Four Committees under SPC

• Political, Consular and Security Cooperation Committee
• Defence Cooperation Committee
• Economy, Energy, Investment and Technology Committee
• Tourism and Cultural Cooperation Committee

HLTF on Investment

Building on Saudi’s commitment 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 (HLTF) on Investment came to an understanding to promote such investment flows.

Both sides agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India.

MoUs/Agreements

• 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 Saudi Ministry of Health and India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 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.

With Inputs from PIB