PM Modi cut shorts Saudi Arabia trip after Pahalgam terror attack
PM Modi cut shorts Saudi Arabia trip after Pahalgam terror attack
PM Modi Cuts Short Saudi Arabia Visit After Pahalgam Terror Attack
In News
PM Narendra Modi cut short his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia (April 22–23, 2025) following the Pahalgam terror attack in J&K that killed at least 26 people.
Despite the shortened trip, PM Modi co-chaired the 2nd meeting of the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Two new ministerial committees were created — Defence Cooperation and Tourism & Culture, expanding the SPC to four.
Key Highlights of the Visit
Strategic Partnership Council (SPC):
Established in 2019 during PM Modi’s earlier visit.
Now expanded to 4 ministerial committees:
Political, Security, Social & Cultural
Economy & Investments
Defence Cooperation (new)
Tourism & Culture (new)
Defence & Security Cooperation:
Success of joint exercises like SADA TANSEEQ and AL MOHED AL HINDI.
Launch of tri-service staff-level talks.
Focus on defence industrial partnerships.
Energy & Climate Cooperation:
India is Saudi Arabia’s 2nd largest trading partner; Saudi is India’s 5th largest partner.
Cooperation on oil, renewables, green hydrogen, and grid security.
Joint study on India-Saudi electricity interconnection project.
Shared commitment to Paris Climate Agreement; India appreciated Saudi Green Initiative & Middle East Green Initiative.
Trade & Investment:
Both sides to fast-track India–GCC Free Trade Agreement and Bilateral Investment Treaty.
MoUs signed in healthcare, postal services, space cooperation, and anti-doping.
People-to-People & Cultural Diplomacy:
Saudi Arabia hosts 2.7 million Indians — the largest expatriate community.
Focus on education, sports, literature, heritage, and media cooperation.
Saudi Arabia welcomed Indian universities’ presence in the Kingdom.
Counter-Terrorism:
Both leaders strongly condemned the Pahalgam attack.
Rejected linking terrorism with any religion or culture.
Called for dismantling global terror infrastructure.
Geopolitical Significance:
Reaffirmed commitment to India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC).
Coordinated stance in multilateral forums (G20, IMF, World Bank).
