Ambassador Vipul Calls on Shura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh in Riyadh
Riyadh, September 29: India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Vipul paid a courtesy call on Dr. Abdullah Al Al-Sheikh, Speaker of the Shura Council, in Riyadh on September 29. The meeting focused on the India-Saudi Arabia strategic partnership, with particular emphasis on strengthening parliamentary cooperation, institutional dialogue and exchanges between the two countries.
India and Saudi Arabia have maintained diplomatic relations since 1947, with ties expanding significantly in recent years across political, economic, security, defence and people-to-people domains. The relationship was elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2010, while the Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) established in 2019 provides a high-level mechanism for advancing bilateral cooperation. (Ministry of External Affairs)
The two countries have developed regular engagement through ministerial-level meetings and joint working groups covering areas such as political and security cooperation, defence, energy, investment, agriculture, technology, industry and infrastructure. (Ministry of External Affairs)
Strong Economic and Energy Partnership
Economic ties remain an important pillar of the relationship. Saudi Arabia is a major trading and investment partner for India, while Indian companies have established a substantial presence in the Kingdom. Cooperation also extends to investment, infrastructure, manufacturing and emerging sectors. (Ministry of External Affairs)
Energy security is another central component of bilateral ties, with Saudi Arabia being an important source of crude oil and petroleum products for India. The two sides have also been exploring cooperation beyond conventional energy, including investment and new technologies. (Ministry of External Affairs)
Growing Defence and Security Engagement
Defence and security cooperation has also expanded, including naval cooperation, military exchanges, defence industry engagement and capacity building. The two countries have conducted the bilateral naval exercise Al-Mohed Al-Hindi, reflecting growing maritime cooperation. (Ministry of External Affairs)
The latest meeting between Ambassador Vipul and the Shura Council Speaker underlines the importance both countries attach to parliamentary exchanges and institutional contacts as part of the broader India-Saudi strategic partnership.