India and Saudi Arabia have agreed to enhance cooperation in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector. Both countries plan to promote investments and explore new collaboration areas, according to an official statement. Bilateral trade reached $41.88 billion in 2024–25, with chemicals contributing nearly $4.5 billion.
A bilateral meeting was held between India’s Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Minerals. The Indian delegation was led by Secretary Nivedita Shukla Verma, while the Saudi side was headed by Vice Minister Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah.
Both sides recognized complementarities in the sector, with Saudi Arabia strong in petrochemicals and India in specialty chemicals. They agreed to increase collaboration across the value chain, including investments in India’s PCPIRs and partnerships between major companies.
The two countries also committed to cooperation in research, development, and skill-building. The ministry said the partnership aims to be sustainable and mutually beneficial, strengthening strategic and economic ties. Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trade partner, while India ranks second for Saudi Arabia. Earlier, the countries agreed to boost cooperation in textiles.
