Tourism and cultural cooperation have taken a significant leap forward this week as Saudi Arabia and India have expanded their Strategic Partnership Council during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to the Kingdom. One of the most notable outcomes of the April 22 visit was the formal establishment of a Ministerial Committee on Tourism and Cultural Cooperation, reinforcing a shared commitment to bilateral exchange and joint development across the two sectors.
Co-chaired by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Prime Minister Modi at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah, the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council also included the formation of a new Ministerial Committee on Defence Cooperation, underlining the broadening scope of the bilateral relationship.
The inclusion of tourism and culture at the ministerial level reflects growing recognition of their strategic importance to both economies. The leaders agreed to enhance cooperation in tourism through capacity building, sustainable development, and joint initiatives that leverage the strengths of each country. Acknowledging the strong people-to-people ties between the two nations, the announcement paves the way for expanded collaboration in media, entertainment, and sports—industries with strong crossover potential for the tourism sector.
The joint statement emphasised the importance of heritage, film, literature, and performing and visual arts as a basis for deeper cultural cooperation. These initiatives are expected to open new opportunities for cultural exchange programmes, co-productions, tourism campaigns, and joint festivals that showcase the diversity of both nations.
India expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s coordination in facilitating Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages for the 2.7 million Indian nationals residing in the Kingdom, underscoring the scale and importance of religious tourism. The Indian delegation also extended congratulations for the successful organization of Hajj in 2024.
The leaders also discussed the growing trade in tourism services, noting the vital role of business and leisure travel in enhancing mutual investments. They reaffirmed support for further expansion of air connectivity, essential for supporting not only tourism but also economic and cultural linkages.
This strategic alignment occurs amid Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 ambitions to diversify its economy and establish itself as a global tourism hub. India, with its expanding middle class and outbound travel market, is seen as a vital partner in supporting this goal. Saudi Arabia’s recent tourism reforms, including the introduction of e-visas and high-profile investment in heritage and entertainment infrastructure, position the Kingdom to benefit from Indian tourism demand.
The tourism and culture agreement was just one of several significant developments announced during the visit. Other agreements focused on space, health, anti-doping cooperation, and investment, but the elevation of tourism and culture to a ministerial priority marks a defining step in shaping a people-centred bilateral relationship.
Prime Minister Modi praised Saudi Arabia’s progress on Vision 2030 and its successful bid for World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in turn, acknowledged India’s ambition to become a developed nation by 2047, affirming Saudi Arabia’s support for enhanced partnership across key sectors.
With the next Strategic Partnership Council meeting already on the agenda, both sides have signalled intent to maintain momentum and deliver on the pledges made this week. For the tourism sector, the establishment of the dedicated Ministerial Committee presents a structured and high-level mechanism to ensure follow-through, drive initiatives, and unlock the considerable potential of Saudi-India cooperation in culture, heritage, and travel.
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Photos courtesy of SPA
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