India and Saudi Arabia Seal Key Deals as PM Modi Cuts Short Visit After Terror Attack

New Delhi, April 23, 2025 — India and Saudi Arabia signed a series of significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation across various sectors, even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit following the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

The agreements were inked during the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), co-chaired by PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday. The leaders discussed regional and global challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.

Among the signed MoUs was a key agreement between the Indian Department of Space and the Saudi Space Agency to collaborate on peaceful space activities. Another MoU between the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare of India and the Saudi Ministry of Health aims to boost cooperation in the healthcare sector.

In the area of sports, an MoU between the Saudi Arabian Anti-Doping Committee and India’s National Anti-Doping Agency seeks to enhance joint efforts in promoting clean sports through education and prevention.

Postal cooperation also featured on the agenda. The Saudi Post Corporation and India’s Department of Posts signed an MoU to improve coordination in postal services, logistics, and the sharing of best practices.

The SPC also decided to expand its framework by establishing two new Ministerial Committees on Defence Cooperation and Tourism and Culture Cooperation. Both leaders appreciated the increased frequency of high-level visits and engagements since their last SPC meeting in September 2023 in New Delhi.

These developments were overshadowed by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on Tuesday, which prompted Prime Minister Modi to skip the official dinner hosted by the Kingdom and return to New Delhi earlier than scheduled. Crown Prince Salman expressed his condolences and joined India in strongly condemning the attack.

The visit also included a meeting between PM Modi and Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League. Al-Issa denounced the Pahalgam attack, echoing Modi’s call for global unity against extremism and violence.