India, Saudi Arabia Sign Agreement to Enhance Official Travel and Bilateral Ties

India and Saudi Arabia have taken another step to deepen bilateral ties with the signing of a visa waiver agreement aimed at easing official travel, as per news reports.  

The move aligns with ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen engagement under the India–Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council and expand institutional cooperation. 

Visa Waiver Agreement Signed in Riyadh 

The bilateral Visa Waiver Agreement was signed in Riyadh by Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan and Abdulmajeed bin Rashed Alsmari, Deputy Minister for Protocol Affairs at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.  

The agreement covers holders of diplomatic, special and official passports, enabling smoother official travel between the two countries. 

Announcing the development, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said, “The agreement will facilitate official travels and boost bilateral exchanges under the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.” 

Push For Stronger Parliamentary Engagement 

The agreement follows broader diplomatic engagement between the 2 nations. Earlier this month, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced that India will soon constitute an India–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group.  

The announcement was made during his meeting with a Saudi delegation led by Major General Abdul Rahman bin Sanhat Al-Harbi, Chairman of the Saudi–India Parliamentary Friendship Committee. 

Birla highlighted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, stating that it serves as a vital bridge for deeper understanding, sharing best practices and strengthening institutional cooperation between countries. 

Expanding Strategic and People-to-People Ties 

Indian officials have underscored that sustained high-level exchanges over the past decade have elevated cooperation across defence, energy, capacity building and emerging strategic areas.  

Birla also acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s support for the Indian community in the Kingdom, noting that the Indian diaspora is widely respected for its contribution to the local economy and society. 

Read More: Newgen Software Share Price in Focus; Secures Orders from India and Saudi Arabia! 

Conclusion 

The visa waiver agreement marks a practical step in advancing India–Saudi Arabia relations by simplifying official travel and reinforcing diplomatic and parliamentary engagement. It reflects the growing depth of the bilateral partnership and the shared intent to strengthen cooperation across strategic and people-centric domains. 

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