India agrees to deepen maritime relations and form joint working group with Saudi Arabia
NEW DELHI : India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to deepen bilateral maritime relations, an official statement said recently. Both countries have formed a Joint Working Group (JWG) on maritime cooperation in the shipping and logistics sectors, marking a new chapter in the strategic partnership, the statement said.
This decision was taken during a high-level virtual meeting between Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Shri Sarbananda Sonowal and Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser.
Shri Sonowal said: “Our Maritime India Vision 2030 and Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 align perfectly with Saudi Vision 2030, creating immense opportunities in ports, shipping & green hydrogen. We invite Saudi partners to explore the vast opportunities in India’s $1 trillion maritime investment landscape and look forward to welcoming a strong Saudi delegation to the India Maritime Week in October 2025.”
Why the Maritime Collaboration Matters
Historic and Economic Bonds
India and Saudi Arabia share centuries-old economic and socio-cultural links, which have evolved into a strategic partnership. With Saudi Arabia being India’s fifth-largest trading partner and India the second-largest for the Kingdom, the new maritime partnership aims to strengthen trade routes, reduce logistics costs, and create investment opportunities.
Current Bilateral Trade
India–Saudi trade volume (FY 2024–25): ~USD 42 billion
Key Features of the Maritime Agreement
- Formation of a Joint Working Group (JWG)
Focuses on shipping and logistics cooperation
Facilitates policy dialogue, investment planning, and project alignment - Strategic Transport Corridors
Highlighted project: Jeddah–Mundra/Nhava Sheva shipping route by Folk Maritime Services, expected to,
Reduce transit times
Lower trade costs
Enhance connectivity between Indian and Saudi ports - Digital Collaboration
India proposed Saudi participation in the MAITRI digital platform
Aims at harmonising maritime trade
Supports paperless trade, cargo tracking, and logistics transparency
Alignment of Strategic Visions
India’s Vision
Maritime India Vision 2030
Amrit Kaal Vision 2047
Saudi Arabia’s Vision
Saudi Vision 2030
These roadmaps prioritise:
Port development
Sustainable maritime logistics
Private sector engagement
Technology-driven maritime governance
Key Indian Projects Open for Investment
Vadhavan Port (Maharashtra) – major transshipment hub
Outer Harbour Project at VO Chidambaranar Port (Tamil Nadu) – deep draft and cargo expansion potential
India has invited Saudi Arabia to explore public-private partnerships in these mega projects.
Source : PTI