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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025, marked a significant step in strengthening the bilateral relationship between the two nations, with a particular focus on deepening cooperation in technology and tourism. This visit, his third to the Kingdom, built upon the momentum generated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India in September 2023, where they co-chaired the first meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council and participated in the G20 Summit. The official press release by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted the identification of emerging technologies, digital governance, and sustainable tourism as key drivers of future bilateral engagement, underscoring the commitment of both countries to explore new avenues of collaboration in these rapidly evolving sectors. The strategic importance of technological collaboration was particularly emphasized, with both nations agreeing to work closely in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and other advanced sectors. This reflects a shared understanding of the transformative potential of these technologies and a desire to leverage them for mutual benefit. The leaders underlined the transformative role of digital governance and committed to exploring joint initiatives in this domain, recognizing the importance of efficient and transparent digital systems for economic growth and citizen empowerment. The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia represents a major step forward in this regard. This agreement aims to boost cooperation in regulatory practices and digital sector development, reinforcing shared priorities in innovation and connectivity. The collaboration will likely encompass sharing best practices, developing common standards, and fostering partnerships between companies in both countries. The focus on cybersecurity reflects the growing importance of protecting digital infrastructure and data from cyber threats, while the emphasis on semiconductors highlights the desire to strengthen supply chains and reduce reliance on external sources for these critical components. The cooperation in artificial intelligence could involve joint research and development projects, as well as the development of ethical guidelines for the use of AI. Beyond technology, tourism also emerged as a major pillar of the evolving relationship. India and Saudi Arabia agreed to enhance collaboration in the tourism sector through capacity building, knowledge exchange, and sustainable tourism practices, according to the press release. This includes promoting tourism destinations in both countries, developing tourism infrastructure, and training tourism professionals. The two sides also noted the growing potential for cooperation in media, entertainment, and sports – sectors supported by the strong cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries. This suggests a broader vision of collaboration that extends beyond traditional economic sectors and encompasses cultural exchange and people-to-people interaction. The deepening cooperation in these areas reflects a recognition of the importance of cultural diplomacy and the role of media and entertainment in fostering understanding and goodwill between nations. The commitment to sustainable tourism practices underscores the importance of preserving natural resources and cultural heritage for future generations. This reflects a growing awareness of the environmental and social impact of tourism and a desire to promote responsible tourism practices that minimize negative impacts and maximize benefits for local communities. The visit also saw the leaders reaffirm shared commitments in other key areas, including climate action, circular carbon economy, and regional security. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the deepening of cooperation across cybersecurity, maritime border security, and counter-narcotics efforts. The emphasis on climate action and the circular carbon economy reflects a shared commitment to addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development. The cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime border security, and counter-narcotics efforts underscores the importance of security cooperation in maintaining regional stability and combating transnational crime. The strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia has been steadily growing in recent years, driven by converging interests and a shared desire for regional stability and economic prosperity. This visit further strengthens this partnership and sets the stage for deeper cooperation in the years to come. The focus on technology and tourism reflects a forward-looking approach that recognizes the importance of these sectors for future growth and development. The collaboration in these areas will likely generate significant economic benefits for both countries, as well as contribute to regional stability and security. The commitment to sustainable development and climate action underscores the importance of responsible and sustainable growth. The growing cultural and people-to-people connections between the two countries provide a solid foundation for deeper cooperation in all areas. The continued dialogue and engagement between leaders of both countries will be crucial for maintaining momentum and realizing the full potential of this strategic partnership.
Source: India, Saudi Arabia deepen tech and tourism ties during PM Modi's visit