Syllabus: GS 2/IR
In News
- The 7th meeting of the Joint Committee on Defence Cooperation (JCDC) was held recently.
Key Outcomes of the Meeting
- Expansion of Defence Cooperation: Training, industrial partnerships, maritime security, and joint military exercises.
- India offered training slots for Saudi personnel in Indian institutions.
- New Areas of Collaboration: Cybersecurity, Tactical communication, Information technology, Disaster management etc.
- Military Engagements: India showcased ‘Make in India’ defence equipment.
- Both sides explored joint production and industrial partnerships.
Significance of India–Saudi Defence Partnership
- Strategic: Enhances India’s security footprint in the West Asian region.
- Complements both countries’ Indo-Pacific and Gulf maritime security priorities.
- Economic/Industrial: Opens market for India’s growing defence manufacturing sector.
- Potential for joint ventures in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification strategy.
- Security: Maritime cooperation crucial for Indian Ocean Region (IOR) stability and securing energy trade routes.
- Defence collaboration complements counter-terrorism and intelligence sharing.
- Diplomatic: Adds depth to the India–Saudi Strategic Partnership Council (2019, upgraded in 2025).
- Balances India’s West Asia diplomacy alongside ties with UAE, Iran, Israel.
| Brief About India and Saudi Arabia Relations – Historical Linkages: The historic visit of King Abdullah to India in 2006 led to the Delhi Declaration, marking enhanced bilateral cooperation. 1. In 2010, the Riyadh Declaration further elevated the relationship to a Strategic Partnership during Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s visit to Saudi Arabia. – Economic Cooperation: India is Saudi Arabia’s second largest trade partner; Saudi Arabia ranks as India’s fifth largest trading partner. 1. Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 42.98 billion in FY 2023-24, with Indian exports worth USD 11.56 billion and imports of USD 31.42 billion from Saudi Arabia. – Energy Partnership: Saudi Arabia remains India’s third largest crude oil & LPG supplier. – Defence Partnership: The defence relationship has strengthened with extensive naval cooperation, two editions of the bilateral naval exercise Al Mohed Al Hindi, and the first-ever India-Saudi joint land force exercise EX-SADA TANSEEQ-I held in India in 2024. – Cultural Relations: India was ‘Guest of Honour’ at Saudi Arabia’s 32nd National Festival of Heritage and Culture (JANADRIYAH) in 2018. 1. In 2017, the Saudi Arabian government approved the practice of yoga as a sports activity. – Indian Community in Saudi Arabia: Approximately 2.7 million Indians reside in Saudi Arabia, forming a significant living bridge promoting closer ties. |
Source: TH
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