India's view of the world · A factual referenceLast updated 12 May 2026 · Edition 04
COUNTRY RELATIONSHIP · SAUDI ARABIA
India & Saudi Arabia
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL5TH LARGEST TRADE PARTNERENERGY PARTNER2.74M DIASPORA
India and Saudi Arabia enjoy close relations reflecting centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties, with diplomatic relations established in 1947. The 2006 'Delhi Declaration' and 2010 'Riyadh Declaration' elevated ties to a Strategic Partnership; the October 2019 Strategic Partnership Council Agreement created a high-level steering mechanism, expanded in April 2025 (during PM Modi's State visit to Jeddah) into four Ministerial Committees covering political/security, defence, economy/energy/investment/technology, and tourism/culture.
COOPERATION AREAS
Where India and Saudi Arabia actually work together
6 active areas of cooperation, as of 31 May 2026. Click any card for the full brief.
TRADE & INVESTMENT
By the numbers
FY 2024-25 figures as cited in MEA bilateral brief (31 May 2026).
$41.88bn
Total bilateral trade in goods
$11.76bn
India exports to country
$30.12bn
India imports from country
~$10bn cumulative Saudi investment in India
Saudi Arabia FDI into India (cumulative)
Trade trajectory · USD bn
$41.88bnin FY25 · click a bar to compare years
TOP TRADED ITEMS
AGREEMENTS & MILESTONES
The relationship since 1947, in 12 dates
CURRENT STATE
Where things stand, May 2026
The relationship is in an active expansion phase following the April 2025 upgrade of the Strategic Partnership Council into four dedicated Ministerial Committees. Defence cooperation, dormant for over a decade, is now moving quickly - staff talks, joint exercises and a new Ministerial Committee on Defence all launched within the past two years. Economic ties remain anchored in energy (India imports over 13% of its crude from the Kingdom) but are diversifying into refining, investment and technology. Cultural and diaspora engagement has scaled up substantially in line with Saudi Vision 2030, positioning the 2.74-million-strong Indian community as a genuine bridge between the two countries.
SIGNALS TO WATCH
On track / positive momentum
In progress / worth watching
Stalled or facing headwinds
Not yet started / unclear
QUICK FACTS
CapitalRiyadh
Population36 million
RegionWest Asia
Diplomatic tiesSince 1947
Indian diaspora~2.74 million
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