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India and Saudi Arabia on Tuesday formalised several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance cooperation in critical sectors including space, health, anti-doping, and postal services, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Kingdom.

 

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the MoUs were signed in the presence of Prime Minister Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during the second meeting of the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Jeddah.

 

Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Y1HNt9J4nG

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025

 

The agreements include a pact between the Saudi Space Agency and India’s Department of Space on collaboration for peaceful space activities.

 

Another MoU was inked between the Ministry of Health of Saudi Arabia and India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aiming to strengthen cooperation in the healthcare sector.

 

In a move to address anti-doping efforts, the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee (SAADC) and India’s National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) also signed an MoU focused on education and prevention in the field.

 

Additionally, the Saudi Post Corporation (SPL) and India’s Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications agreed to cooperate on inward surface parcel services, enhancing logistical and communication ties.

 

The high-level SPC meeting saw the two leaders review the growing bilateral ties across defence, energy, trade, technology, agriculture, and cultural linkages. The official minutes of the meeting were signed, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to further deepening their partnership under the SPC framework.

 

Signalling a renewed defence collaboration, the leaders announced the formation of a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation to expand joint military exercises, training initiatives, and industrial partnerships.

 

Another committee focusing on tourism and cultural cooperation was also announced, reflecting the rising people-to-people engagement between the two nations.

 

However, the Prime Minister’s trip was cut short in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The official dinner scheduled in honour of the Indian delegation was cancelled, and Modi departed Saudi Arabia earlier than planned, the MEA confirmed.