Deepening India Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership

In 2019, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited India, marking a significant step in reinforcing the strategic partnership between the two nations. The visit emphasized enhanced security cooperation, particularly in counter-terrorism, and included Saudi Arabia increasing India's Haj quota by approximately 25,000, allowing 200,000 Indian pilgrims to undertake the pilgrimage. This development occurs against the backdrop of India having removed the Haj subsidy following a 2012 Supreme Court order. India and Saudi Arabia's cooperation is historically rooted in agreements like the Delhi Declaration (2006) for stable crude oil supplies and the Riyadh Declaration (2010), which established a strategic partnership.

The year 2019 witnessed a notable deepening of ties between India and Saudi Arabia, underscored by the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India. This visit, part of a broader tour that encompassed China and Pakistan, wasn't merely a ceremonial gesture; it represented a tangible commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between the two nations across a spectrum of areas, with a particular emphasis on security cooperation and the facilitation of religious pilgrimage. The increase in India's Haj quota, coupled with ongoing dialogues on counter-terrorism, highlighted the evolving nature of the relationship, moving beyond traditional energy-centric cooperation towards a more multifaceted strategic alignment. To fully comprehend the significance of this event, one must delve into the historical context, the key actors involved, the specific agreements and declarations that have shaped the relationship, and the broader implications for India's foreign policy and regional dynamics.

Historical Foundations of India-Saudi Arabia Relations

The relationship between India and Saudi Arabia is not a recent phenomenon. It is rooted in centuries of trade, cultural exchange, and religious interactions. From ancient spice routes that connected the Indian subcontinent with the Arabian Peninsula to the annual Haj pilgrimage that draws hundreds of thousands of Indian Muslims to Mecca, the ties between the two regions are deeply ingrained in history. The modern diplomatic relationship, however, took shape in the post-independence era, evolving from a primarily economic relationship focused on oil to a more comprehensive strategic partnership encompassing security, counter-terrorism, and investment.

The discovery of vast oil reserves in Saudi Arabia in the 20th century transformed the kingdom into a global energy powerhouse. India, with its growing energy needs, became increasingly reliant on Saudi Arabia for its crude oil imports. This dependence on Saudi oil laid the foundation for a strong economic relationship, with Saudi Arabia becoming one of India's largest trading partners. In the early decades, the relationship was largely transactional, driven by India's need for energy and Saudi Arabia's need for a reliable market. However, as India's economic and political influence grew, and as Saudi Arabia sought to diversify its economy and strengthen its regional position, the relationship began to evolve into a more strategic partnership.

A pivotal moment in this evolution was the Delhi Declaration of 2006. This declaration, signed during a visit by the then Saudi King Abdullah to India, formalized the commitment to ensure a stable and reliable supply of crude oil to India. The Delhi Declaration went beyond mere economic considerations, signaling a broader understanding of mutual interests and a desire to enhance cooperation in other areas. It laid the groundwork for future agreements and initiatives that would further deepen the strategic partnership.

Four years later, in 2010, the Riyadh Declaration further solidified the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. This declaration, signed during a visit by the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Saudi Arabia, outlined a comprehensive framework for cooperation in various fields, including political, economic, security, and cultural affairs. The Riyadh Declaration marked a significant step forward in the relationship, signaling a commitment to long-term strategic cooperation and a shared vision for regional stability.

Key Actors: Mohammed bin Salman, India, and Saudi Arabia

Understanding the dynamics of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship requires a closer look at the key actors involved. These actors, with their respective interests, priorities, and constraints, shape the trajectory of the relationship and influence the outcomes of bilateral engagements.

• Mohammed bin Salman: As the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is a central figure in shaping the kingdom's domestic and foreign policies. His rise to power has been accompanied by a series of ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing the Saudi economy and society. The "Vision 2030" plan, spearheaded by MBS, seeks to diversify the Saudi economy away from its reliance on oil, promote investment in non-oil sectors, and create new opportunities for Saudi youth. In terms of foreign policy, MBS has adopted a more assertive and proactive approach, seeking to strengthen Saudi Arabia's regional influence and counter perceived threats from Iran and other actors. His visit to India in 2019 was part of this broader strategy to forge closer ties with key Asian partners and attract foreign investment into the Saudi economy. MBS's background as a dynamic and reform-minded leader has injected a new sense of urgency and ambition into the India-Saudi Arabia relationship. He is seen as a driving force behind the efforts to deepen cooperation in various areas, from security and counter-terrorism to investment and technology.

• India: India, as a rising economic and political power, has a strong interest in maintaining a stable and mutually beneficial relationship with Saudi Arabia. India's growing energy needs make it heavily reliant on Saudi oil, and the kingdom is a crucial partner in ensuring India's energy security. India also seeks to attract Saudi investment into its infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, as part of its efforts to boost economic growth and create jobs. Furthermore, India sees Saudi Arabia as a key partner in its counter-terrorism efforts, particularly in combating radical Islamic groups and preventing the spread of extremism. The presence of a large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, numbering over two million, adds another dimension to the relationship. India has a responsibility to protect the interests and welfare of its citizens working in Saudi Arabia, and this requires close cooperation with the Saudi government. India's approach to the relationship is driven by a desire to maximize its economic and strategic benefits, while also ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens in Saudi Arabia.

• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia, as the world's largest oil producer and a leading player in the Middle East, has its own set of strategic interests that shape its relationship with India. The kingdom seeks to maintain its position as a reliable supplier of oil to India, while also diversifying its economy and attracting foreign investment. Saudi Arabia also sees India as a potential partner in its efforts to counter regional threats and promote stability in the Middle East. The kingdom is keen to strengthen its security cooperation with India, particularly in areas such as counter-terrorism and maritime security. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia views India as a valuable source of skilled labor and expertise, and it seeks to attract more Indian professionals to work in its growing economy. Saudi Arabia's approach to the relationship is driven by a desire to secure its economic interests, enhance its regional influence, and promote its security objectives.

The 2019 Visit: A Deep Dive into Key Outcomes

The 2019 visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India was a significant event that yielded several key outcomes. These outcomes reflect the evolving nature of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship and highlight the areas of cooperation that are of particular importance to both countries.

• Enhanced Security Cooperation: A central focus of the visit was on strengthening security cooperation between India and Saudi Arabia, particularly in the area of counter-terrorism. Both countries have faced the threat of terrorism in recent years, and they recognize the need to work together to combat this menace. The discussions during the visit focused on sharing intelligence, exchanging best practices, and coordinating efforts to disrupt terrorist networks. India and Saudi Arabia have a shared interest in preventing the spread of extremism and radicalism, and they see security cooperation as a crucial tool in achieving this objective. The visit resulted in a commitment to enhance cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, maritime security, and border control.

• Increased Haj Quota: Another significant outcome of the visit was the increase in India's Haj quota by approximately 25,000. This increase allowed 200,000 Indian pilgrims to undertake the Haj pilgrimage to Mecca. The Haj pilgrimage is a deeply significant religious obligation for Muslims, and India has one of the largest Muslim populations in the world. The increase in the Haj quota was seen as a gesture of goodwill from Saudi Arabia towards India's Muslim community. It also reflected the close ties between the two countries and the importance that Saudi Arabia attaches to its relationship with India.

• Reaffirmation of Strategic Partnership: The visit served to reaffirm the strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. Both countries reiterated their commitment to deepening cooperation in various areas, including political, economic, security, and cultural affairs. The leaders of both countries emphasized the importance of maintaining a stable and mutually beneficial relationship, and they pledged to work together to address regional and global challenges. The reaffirmation of the strategic partnership signaled a long-term commitment to cooperation and a shared vision for the future.

The Haj Subsidy Removal: A Controversial Decision

The increase in India's Haj quota occurred against the backdrop of the Indian government's decision to remove the Haj subsidy. The Haj subsidy was a financial assistance provided by the Indian government to pilgrims undertaking the Haj pilgrimage, primarily in the form of discounted airfares. The subsidy had been in place for several decades, but it had become increasingly controversial in recent years.

In 2012, the Supreme Court of India ordered the government to gradually phase out the Haj subsidy by 2022. The court ruled that the subsidy was discriminatory and violated the principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The court also argued that the subsidy was a drain on public resources and that the money could be better used for other development projects.

The Indian government initially resisted the Supreme Court's order, but it eventually agreed to comply. In 2018, the government announced that it would remove the Haj subsidy with immediate effect. The decision was met with mixed reactions. Some welcomed the move as a step towards secularism and fiscal responsibility. Others criticized it as being anti-Muslim and argued that it would make the Haj pilgrimage more expensive for ordinary Muslims.

The removal of the Haj subsidy was a significant policy shift that reflected a changing attitude towards religious subsidies in India. The decision was driven by a combination of legal, political, and economic considerations. While it was welcomed by some, it also sparked controversy and raised questions about the role of the state in religious affairs. The increase in the Haj quota by Saudi Arabia can be seen as an attempt to mitigate any negative perceptions arising from the subsidy removal, demonstrating a continued commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage for Indian Muslims.

Organizations Involved: The Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court of India played a crucial role in the removal of the Haj subsidy. As the apex judicial body in India, the Supreme Court has the power to interpret the Constitution and enforce fundamental rights. The Supreme Court's order to phase out the Haj subsidy was based on its interpretation of the Constitution's secularism provisions.

The Supreme Court's role in this issue highlights the importance of the judiciary in shaping public policy in India. The Supreme Court has the power to review government decisions and strike down laws that it deems unconstitutional. This power of judicial review makes the Supreme Court a powerful check on the executive and legislative branches of government.

The Supreme Court's decision to order the removal of the Haj subsidy was a controversial one, but it reflected the court's commitment to upholding the principles of secularism and equality. The decision also demonstrated the court's willingness to intervene in matters of public policy when it believes that fundamental rights are being violated.

Historical Precedents: Delhi and Riyadh Declarations

The Delhi Declaration of 2006 and the Riyadh Declaration of 2010 serve as important historical precedents for understanding the current state of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship. These declarations laid the foundation for the strategic partnership between the two countries and outlined the areas of cooperation that are of particular importance to both sides.

The Delhi Declaration focused primarily on energy cooperation, with Saudi Arabia committing to ensure a stable and reliable supply of crude oil to India. The Riyadh Declaration broadened the scope of cooperation to include political, economic, security, and cultural affairs. Both declarations signaled a commitment to long-term strategic cooperation and a shared vision for regional stability.

These historical precedents provide valuable context for understanding the significance of the 2019 visit of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India. The visit built upon the foundation laid by the Delhi and Riyadh Declarations, further deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries and expanding the areas of cooperation.

Stakeholder Positions: India and Saudi Arabia

To fully understand the dynamics of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship, it is essential to consider the positions of the key stakeholders involved. These stakeholders, with their respective interests, priorities, and constraints, shape the trajectory of the relationship and influence the outcomes of bilateral engagements.

• India: India's official position is to strengthen its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the areas of energy security, counter-terrorism, and trade. India sees Saudi Arabia as a crucial partner in ensuring its energy security, attracting Saudi investment, and enhancing its regional influence. India's underlying interests include securing a stable and reliable supply of crude oil, attracting Saudi investment into its infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, and enhancing its security cooperation with Saudi Arabia to combat terrorism and extremism. India has taken several actions to advance these interests, including engaging in high-level visits, signing agreements on cooperation, and increasing diplomatic engagement with Saudi Arabia.

• Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia's official position is to diversify its economy, attract foreign investment, and strengthen its strategic partnerships with key Asian countries, including India. Saudi Arabia aims to secure new markets for its oil, attract investment in non-oil sectors, and enhance its regional influence. Saudi Arabia's underlying interests include maintaining its position as a reliable supplier of oil to India, attracting Indian investment into its growing economy, and strengthening its security cooperation with India to counter regional threats and promote stability. Saudi Arabia has taken several actions to advance these interests, including high-level visits, increasing the Haj quota for Indian pilgrims, and investing in Indian infrastructure projects.

Broader Implications of the Deepening Partnership

The deepening strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia has broader implications for regional and global dynamics. These implications span various domains, including political, diplomatic, security, economic, and humanitarian affairs.

• Political: The strengthening of ties between India and Saudi Arabia enhances India's position in West Asia and enhances its strategic autonomy. India's ability to forge close relationships with key players in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, allows it to pursue its interests more effectively and navigate the complex geopolitical landscape.

• Diplomatic: The deepening of bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia strengthens India's diplomatic outreach in the region and provides it with a valuable platform for engaging with other countries in the Middle East. India's close relationship with Saudi Arabia can help it to mediate disputes, promote dialogue, and foster cooperation in the region.

• Security: Enhanced cooperation in counter-terrorism and maritime security between India and Saudi Arabia contributes to regional stability and helps to combat the threat of terrorism and extremism. The sharing of intelligence, the exchange of best practices, and the coordination of efforts to disrupt terrorist networks can have a significant impact on regional security.

• Economic: Increased trade and investment between India and Saudi Arabia boost economic growth and create new opportunities for businesses and individuals in both countries. The diversification of trade and investment flows can help to reduce economic dependence on specific sectors and promote sustainable development.

• Humanitarian: Facilitating the Haj pilgrimage for Indian Muslims is a significant humanitarian gesture that reflects the close ties between India and Saudi Arabia. The increase in the Haj quota allows more Indian Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and strengthens the bonds of friendship between the two countries.

Connections and Context: Ongoing Issues, Historical Links, and Future Outlook

The deepening of the India-Saudi Arabia strategic partnership is connected to several ongoing issues, historical links, and future trends that shape the relationship between the two countries.

• Related Ongoing Issues: India's energy security concerns, its counter-terrorism efforts, the regional geopolitics in West Asia, and its relations with other Gulf countries are all related to the India-Saudi Arabia relationship. India's dependence on Saudi oil makes energy security a paramount concern, while its efforts to combat terrorism require close cooperation with Saudi Arabia. The complex geopolitical landscape in West Asia, with its various conflicts and rivalries, necessitates a nuanced and strategic approach from India. India's relations with other Gulf countries, such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, also influence its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

• Historical Connections: The historical trade and cultural links between India and the Arabian Peninsula, the presence of a large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, and past agreements on energy cooperation all provide a strong foundation for the India-Saudi Arabia relationship. These historical connections have fostered a sense of familiarity and understanding between the two countries, making it easier to build trust and cooperation.

• Future Outlook: The future outlook for the India-Saudi Arabia relationship is positive, with continued strengthening of the strategic partnership, increased cooperation in new areas such as renewable energy and technology, and greater coordination on regional security issues. As both countries continue to grow and develop, they are likely to find new areas of common interest and new opportunities for cooperation. The India-Saudi Arabia relationship is poised to become even more important in the years to come, as both countries work together to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.