On his two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended a strong invitation to Saudi companies to actively participate in India’s ambitious ‘Developed India’ campaign. In an exclusive interview with a leading Middle Eastern newspaper, PM Modi emphasized the strength of the bilateral partnership and highlighted key sectors open for foreign investment.
Strengthening India–Saudi Arabia Ties
Prime Minister Modi praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, describing him as a “strong supporter of bilateral relations” and a leader committed to strengthening economic ties between the two nations. He underlined that the long-standing friendship between India and Saudi Arabia has entered a new phase marked by deeper strategic and economic cooperation.
During the interview, PM Modi noted that the Saudi business community has tremendous potential to invest in India, especially as the country focuses on building world-class infrastructure, expanding its energy portfolio, and accelerating innovation across sectors.
Key Sectors Open for Saudi Investment
PM Modi specifically invited Saudi companies to explore investment opportunities in:
- Infrastructure and Logistics
- Renewable Energy and the Green Economy
- Healthcare and Medical Technology
- Startups and Emerging Technologies
- The Blue Economy and Coastal Development
He pointed out that India is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, and foreign investors can benefit greatly by partnering with Indian enterprises, particularly in sectors aligned with sustainable development goals.
Energy Alliance and Future Collaboration
Highlighting the historic ties in the energy sector, PM Modi called Saudi Arabia a “strong and reliable energy partner”. He said India is exploring joint investment ventures with Saudi Arabia in the fields of oil refinery and petrochemical projects.
India is also working aggressively to meet its renewable energy target of 500 gigawatts by 2030, and Saudi Arabia can play a pivotal role in helping India transition to clean and sustainable energy sources. Opportunities in green hydrogen, circular economy, and supply chain partnerships are on the table for both nations to collaborate on.
India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: A Game Changer
One of the most significant points raised by PM Modi during the interview was the transformative potential of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Described as a historic breakthrough for humanity, he believes the corridor can redefine trade and connectivity for the 21st century.
This is not just a trade route; it’s a strategic economic corridor that can establish a powerful alliance between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, PM Modi said. He compared it to the Silk Road of ancient times, emphasizing its long-term impact on regional and global trade flows.
The corridor is expected to boost logistics infrastructure, digital connectivity, and energy transport, offering immense benefits to all participating countries. For Saudi Arabia, it means enhanced access to Asian markets, while India can tap into advanced logistics networks linking to Europe.
Expanding Cooperation in New-Age Technologies
Beyond energy and infrastructure, PM Modi stressed the need to explore next-gen technology partnerships, including artificial intelligence, fintech, and biotechnology. He said Indian startups are eager to partner with global investors and companies in Saudi Arabia to scale solutions not just for India, but for the world.
With a young, skilled workforce and a strong focus on innovation, India is emerging as a global tech hub. Saudi investors have an opportunity to be part of this journey and contribute to building solutions that can address global challenges, including climate change and healthcare accessibility.
Vision for a Shared Future
PM Modi concluded the interview by stating that India and Saudi Arabia are natural partners in progress. As both countries look to diversify their economies and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, the path to growth lies in collaboration, trust, and shared vision.
He invited Saudi companies and leaders to be part of India’s growth journey—not just as investors, but as long-term partners in shaping a sustainable, digital, and inclusive future for both nations and the world.
