Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia on April 22-23, 2025, is more than just a diplomatic trip—it’s a bold step towards making India a bigger player on the world stage. This visit, Modi’s third to the Kingdom since 2014, shows how India and Saudi Arabia are moving closer, not just as trade partners but as strategic allies in defense, energy, and global connectivity. With Saudi Arabia changing fast under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS), and India aiming high under Modi, this partnership is set to shape the future of both nations. Let’s dive into why this visit matters, what’s on the table, and how it can benefit everyday Indians.

For years, India and Saudi Arabia were tied mainly by oil and the millions of Indian workers in the Gulf. But things have changed. Today, the two countries are talking about defense deals, high-tech projects, and a game-changing plan called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). This visit, hosted by MbS in Jeddah, is about building on these new ties. As Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said, Modi will co-chair the Strategic Partnership Council meeting, a big platform to discuss everything from trade to security (India Today, April 19, 2025). For common Indians, this means more jobs, better technology, and a stronger India in a tricky global landscape.

One big focus is defense. India is no longer just buying weapons—it’s selling them too. Last year, India signed a $225 million deal to supply munitions to Saudi Arabia, and more such agreements could be inked this time. Recent military exercises and talks show Saudi Arabia trusts India as a defense partner. This is huge for Indian industries, especially small businesses supplying parts for defense equipment. More deals mean more jobs and a chance for India to shine as a global defense hub. Plus, with Saudi Arabia facing threats like Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, both countries want to work together for peace in the region.

Energy is still the backbone of this relationship. In 2023-24, trade between India and Saudi Arabia was worth $25.7 billion, mostly oil (India Today, April 19, 2025). India needs Saudi oil to keep fuel prices stable, which affects everything from your grocery bill to bus fares. But this visit isn’t just about oil. The talks will explore green energy, like solar and hydrogen, which could help India meet its climate goals. For the average Indian, this could mean cleaner air and cheaper electricity in the long run. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to move beyond oil, matches India’s push for sustainable growth, making this a win-win.

The IMEC is the real showstopper. Launched at the G20 Summit in 2023, this corridor will connect India to Europe through the Middle East, bypassing risky routes like the Suez Canal. It’s like a superhighway for trade, carrying goods, data, and energy. For India, it means faster exports to Europe, which could boost industries like textiles, medicines, and tech. Imagine farmers in Punjab or weavers in Varanasi reaching European markets quicker—this is what IMEC promises. Modi’s talks with French President Emmanuel Macron in February 2025 show the project is moving forward, despite delays due to the Gaza conflict (India Today, February 13, 2025). During this visit, Modi and MbS might push IMEC further, maybe even signing deals to start building ports or railways.

Several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected, covering defense, tech, and trade. These agreements are like promises between the two countries to work together. For example, a tech MoU could mean Saudi investment in Indian startups or joint projects in artificial intelligence. This could create high-skill jobs for young Indians, especially in cities like Bengaluru or Hyderabad. While the exact details of the MoUs aren’t out yet, reports suggest they’re almost ready (India Today, April 19, 2025). For the common man, this means more opportunities and a stronger economy.

Saudi Arabia’s transformation under MbS is a big reason this partnership is clicking. Since becoming Crown Prince in 2017, MbS has shaken things up with Vision 2030. He’s building futuristic cities like Neom, letting women drive, and opening up the economy. These changes make Saudi Arabia more like modern India—young, ambitious, and tech-savvy. MbS’s bold foreign policy, like joining BRICS or talking peace with Israel, also matches India’s style of balancing friendships with all major powers. But there are challenges. Some criticize MbS for centralizing power, and regional tensions, like the Israel-Palestine issue, could complicate things. Still, Modi’s visit shows India is ready to navigate these hurdles for mutual gains.

This partnership isn’t new, but it’s deeper than ever. From Jawaharlal Nehru’s visit in 1955 to King Abdullah’s landmark trip to India in 2006, the two nations have come a long way. Modi’s frequent visits since 2016 have made Saudi Arabia a key pillar of India’s West Asia policy. For everyday Indians, this matters because it’s not just about big leaders shaking hands—it’s about real benefits. Indian workers in Saudi Arabia, around 2.6 million strong, send home billions in remittances, supporting families back home. Stronger ties could mean better working conditions and more job openings for them.

The visit also has a global angle. With the world split between powers like the US, China, and Russia, India and Saudi Arabia are carving their own path. IMEC, for instance, isn’t just about trade—it’s a statement that India can lead big global projects. But there’s competition. Turkey is pushing its own trade route, and China’s Belt and Road Initiative is a rival. Modi’s talks with MbS will aim to keep IMEC on track, ensuring India doesn’t lose out. For the average Indian, this means a stronger voice for India in global decisions, which could influence everything from oil prices to climate policies.

In conclusion, Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia is a big deal for India’s future. It’s about more than just signing papers—it’s about building a partnership that can lift millions of Indians. From defense deals creating jobs to IMEC opening new markets, the benefits are real. Saudi Arabia’s changes under MbS and India’s rise under Modi are coming together at the right time. Yes, there are challenges, like regional conflicts or global rivalries, but the potential is huge. For the common Indian, this visit is a sign that India is not just growing—it’s leading. As Modi and MbS sit down in Jeddah, they’re not just writing a new chapter for India-Saudi ties but also shaping a brighter, stronger future for every Indian.

———— E.O.M

(The author Girish Linganna of this article is an award-winning Science Writer and a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach him, at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)