Eye on defence, energy, investment ties, PM Modi on 2-day Saudi visit from Tuesday

Several memoranda of understanding (MoUs), including one on green hydrogen, are expected to be signed by the two sides following the Modi-Salman talks, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said at a press conference here on Saturday.

There will be an effort to infuse a “strategic” dimension to the India-Saudi Arabia energy cooperation, he said, without elaborating.

The foreign secretary said Modi’s visit will provide an opportunity to build on the already strong strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. Misri also indicated that there could be discussions on how to take steps to facilitate Saudi Arabia’s plan to invest USD 100 billion in India as announced during the crown prince’s visit to India in 2019.

“Certain issues they had raised and we have worked very constructively on those issues,” Misri said. The High Level Task Force on Investment (HLTFI) was set up in October 2023 to expedite the proposed investment, he said.

Misri said India approached the issues flagged by the Saudi side with a “very open mind” and assured about addressing its “concerns”.

He said the implementation of the ambitious India-Middle-East-Europe-Economic Corridor (IMEEC) project may figure in the talks between Modi and Salman.

The Israel-Hamas conflict as well as the situation in Ukraine are also expected to figure in the talks.

The foreign secretary said India and Saudi Arabia are also expected to bolster their defence ties that could include putting in place a framework for more military exercises and high-level engagements.

“We are attempting to give more substance to the partnership. The opening of defence procurement is one major area,” he said.

“But setting up an architecture through which or on the basis of which the two countries engage with each other at the leadership level and at the professional operational level as well is going to be an area of attention in the months and years ahead,” he said.