India-Saudi Arabia Ties Unaffected by Mecca Defence Pact

The Mecca Defence Pact, a trilateral agreement involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey, is not expected to disrupt the robust relationship between India and Saudi Arabia. This assessment comes from a report by the Centre for Peace Studies (CPS).

Deep Roots of Indo-Saudi Partnership

India and Saudi Arabia maintain deeply intertwined national interests, spanning commerce, trade, and energy sectors. Both nations consistently pursue independent economic and strategic paths, prioritizing strategic autonomy and hedging in their foreign policies.

• Diplomatic relations were formally established in 1947.
• Bilateral trade between the two nations exceeds $41.88 billion.
• Saudi crude accounts for 15 percent of India’s total oil imports.
• Saudi investments in India total over $10 billion.
• A three-million-strong Indian diaspora resides in Saudi Arabia.
• Significant cultural ties are reinforced through the Haj pilgrimage.

High-Level Diplomatic Engagements Reinforce Bonds

High-level exchanges have consistently characterized diplomatic relations between the two countries. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Saudi Arabia in April 2025 initiated new collaborations across various critical areas.

• Oil refinery development
• Health and space exploration
• Sports and telecommunications
• Medical tourism and civil aviation
• Strategic petroleum reserves and skills development

These interactions, including visits by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have established a solid foundation for a constructive partnership. A recent telephonic conversation between PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also affirmed strong ties, addressing the West Asia conflict and the importance of secure shipping lines.

Strategic Autonomy Preserves Bilateral Stability

Mohammed Badru Alam, a former Professor and Director of Research at Delhi’s Jamia Millia Islamia University, highlighted the extensive and multifaceted nature of Indo-Saudi relations. He noted this provides reassurance despite anxieties among Indian strategic analysts regarding Saudi Arabia’s commitments to Pakistan.

Alam concluded that the steadfast commitment of both leaderships to independent foreign policies and strategic hedging means the Mecca Declaration is unlikely to destabilize their relationship. This bond is significantly fortified by shared economic interests and strategic calculations.