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PM Modi to Visit Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Trade, Energy, and Defence

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PM Modi to Visit Saudi Arabia to Strengthen Bilateral Ties in Trade, Energy, and Defence

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Visit DetailsPrime Minister Narendra Modi visits Saudi Arabia on April 22-23, 2025. First visit during his third term.
Key Focus AreasTrade, energy, defence, and India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC).
Strategic DialogueModi to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah.
Visit precedes US President Donald Trump's scheduled trip to Saudi Arabia in May 2025.
Saudi Arabia mediates in US-Russia-Ukraine talks.
Focus on regional stability, including Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea.
IMEECReviving and reviewing progress on India-Middle East-Europe Corridor (IMEEC).
Saudi Arabia is a crucial partner in the project.
IMEEC seen as a counterbalance to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Energy CooperationSaudi Arabia is India's third-largest supplier of crude oil and LPG.
2023-24 Data:
- Crude Oil: 33.35 MMT (14.3% of India's imports).
- LPG: 18.2% of India's total LPG imports.
Focus on better pricing and long-term energy security.
Trade and InvestmentBilateral trade in 2023-24: USD 42.98 billion.
- Indian exports: USD 11.56 billion.
- Imports (mainly oil): USD 31.42 billion.
India: 2nd largest trading partner of Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia: 5th largest trading partner of India.
Investments:
- Indian investments in Saudi Arabia: ~USD 3 billion (August 2023).
- Saudi investments in India: ~USD 10 billion.
Defence and SecurityCollaboration in defence industries, naval cooperation, and training.
Key milestone: MoS (Defence) Ajay Bhatt visited Riyadh for World Defence Show (Feb 2024).
Two editions of naval exercise 'Al Mohed Al Hindi' held.

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