India, Saudi Arabia boost tech and tourism ties during PM Modi's visit

India and Saudi Arabia have decided to substantially enhance collaboration in technology and tourism, emphasizing new partnership areas during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the Kingdom on April 22, 2025.

An official press release from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicated that both sides recognized emerging technologies, digital governance, and sustainable tourism as crucial factors in future bilateral collaboration.

Highlighting the strategic significance of technological partnership, the two countries consented to collaborate closely in fields including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, semiconductors, and various advanced industries. The leaders stressed the significant impact of digital governance and pledged to investigate collaborative efforts in this area.

As a significant advancement, both parties expressed appreciation for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and the Communications, Space and Technology Commission of Saudi Arabia. The pact seeks to enhance collaboration in regulatory frameworks and the advancement of the digital sector, strengthening common goals in innovation and connectivity.

Tourism also became a significant foundation of the developing relationship. According to the press release, India and Saudi Arabia have committed to strengthening cooperation in the tourism industry through capacity building, knowledge sharing, and sustainable tourism methods.

The two parties acknowledged the increasing possibilities for collaboration in media, entertainment, and sports - areas bolstered by the robust cultural and interpersonal ties between the nations.

The visit, made at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was Prime Minister Narendra Modi's third journey to the Kingdom. It leveraged the momentum from the Crown Prince's significant trip to India in September 2023, during which he co-chaired the inaugural meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council and attended the G20 Summit.