India & Middle East : Updates and Discussions

Decoding India-Saudi Arabia agreement for energy security and regional stability​

India and Saudi Arabia have solidified their commitment to cooperation by signing more than 50 Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) encompassing various critical sectors, including digital transformation,cyber-security, trade, healthcare, defence, artificial intelligence, infrastructure, and renewable energy. These significant agreements were formalised just two days following the conclusion of the G20 summit, during which both nations unveiled a groundbreaking railway corridor deal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasised the paramount significance of Saudi Arabia to India, highlighting the continuous strengthening of mutual cooperation between the two nations over time.

In his address, Prime Minister Modi drew attention to a notable governmental agreement that guarantees the availability of solar power even after sunset, underscoring the sustainability of this energy source. As part of this pivotal accord, plans are to install an underwater power transmission line connecting India and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia's Investment Minister, Khalid Al-Falih, has announced the possibility of establishing an office for the country's sovereign wealth fund, the public investment fund (PIF), within GIFT City. GIFT City, situated in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, is envisioned as a thriving centre for financial services, technology, and innovation.

What is ‘Media Oasis’?
Saudi Arabia has set ambitious investment goals in India, targeting substantial contributions to sports infrastructure and tourism development by 2030. In line with this vision, an exhibition named "Media Oasis" was strategically held in Delhi alongside the G20 side events. This exhibition served as a platform to unveil Saudi Arabia's forthcoming endeavors in India, highlighting its long-term intentions and commitment to fostering bilateral ties in these sectors.

India's Minister for New and Renewable Energy, R.K. Singh, disclosed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is keen on establishing grid connectivity with India, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Saudi Arabia on September 10. This MoU encompasses energy cooperation and grid connectivity. Singh highlighted that “linking India's power grid with Saudi Arabia and the UAE could enable India to provide power to Europe via the interconnected grids in the West Asian region”.

The agreement aims to foster collaboration in renewable energy, including green hydrogen and ammonia, potentially benefiting from cost-effective financing from Saudi funds and facilitating Indian green energy companies' entry into Saudi Arabia.
 
India participates as partner country at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai for first time in its 31-year history

India is participating as a partner country at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest annual food and beverage sourcing event, which opened today in Dubai across two venues for the first time in its 31-year history. The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is leading India’s participation at the event, which spans the Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. The Indian pavilion, covering 1,434 square metres, was inaugurated by Secretary, Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Avinash Joshi, in the presence of the Indian ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal.

The pavilion features 161 exhibitors from 25 states and regions across India, representing exporters, farmer-producer organisations, cooperatives, startups, state government agencies and national institutions. The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO) is also participating, with 11 exhibitors showcasing agricultural and food products, primarily basmati rice and other cereal grains. A high-level delegation led by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries is visiting Gulfood 2026. The ministry, along with Invest India, is jointly working to promote investments across the food processing and allied sectors.

Our Dubai Correspondent reports that India’s participation reflects its growing role in global agri-food trade and strengthened ties with the UAE following the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has enhanced market access for Indian agricultural and food products in the Gulf region. Gulfood 2026 will be open till 30th of this month.
 
  • Informative
Reactions: YoungWolf