India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen bilateral maritime relations. Both countries have formed a joint work group – JWG on shipping and logistics areas, which will add a new chapter in this strategic partnership.
The decision was taken in a high-level virtual meeting between India’s Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Saudi Arabia’s Transport and Logistics Minister Saleh bin Nasir al-Jasar. According to the statement, Sonowal outlined the historic and constantly strong relations between the two countries. Emphasized historical and growing relations between the two countries. He said that India and Saudi Arabia have centuries-old economic and socio-cultural relations. The establishment of the Strategic Partnership Council, co-headed by leaders of the two countries, has brought bilateral cooperation to new heights. Sonowal mentioned the recent progress, including the introduction of Jeddah -Mundra/Nhawa Sheva Marg, which has been launched by Saudi Arabia’s Folk Maritime Services and expected to reduce transportation time and cost. He also proposed cooperation for harmonization of maritime trade over India’s Maitri Digital Platform.
Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth largest trading partner, while India is the second largest trading partner in Saudi Arabia. Bilateral trade stood at US $ 42 billion in FY 2024-25. During the talks, Sonowal exposed India’s Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 from Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. India invited Saudi Arabia to find out investment possibilities in its port and shipping ecosystem.
The Maritime Development Fund, which exceeds US $ 3 billion, provides opportunities in port infrastructure, coastal shipping and logistics. India gave many big projects, such as the Wadhavan Port (on the west coast) and V.O. The Outer Harbor Project of Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu), presented as major investment destinations.