The new Saudi Arabia PM Modi is visiting: What has changed under MBS and why it matters

File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman exchanging the Strategic Partnership Council Agreement in Riyadh in 2019.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Saudi Arabia – his third to the country, the most by any Indian PM – underscores the deepening relationship between the two nations. The trip is also a testament to the personal rapport and strategic convergence between PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS).

This strengthened relationship has provided a fertile ground for exploring mutual interests and witnessing firsthand the profound transformation underway in Saudi Arabia. Under MBS's dynamic leadership, the Kingdom is experiencing a period of unprecedented change, marked by ambitious economic and social reforms collectively known as "Vision 2030."

Vision 2030: The Blueprint for Saudi’s Transformation

Launched in 2016, ‘Vision 2030’ is Saudi Arabia's ambitious plan to reduce its reliance on oil, diversify its economy, and develop public service sectors such as health, education, infrastructure, recreation, and tourism. The initiative aims to transform the kingdom into a global investment powerhouse and a hub connecting three continents: Asia, Europe, and Africa.

Shift in Social and Cultural Norms

Mohammed Bin Salman’s progressive agenda has challenged long-held social norms and religious restrictions, particularly the barriers around women and their freedom.

Driving rights: Perhaps the most visible change has been the lifting of the ban on women driving in 2018. This landmark decision symbolized a broader shift towards greater female participation in public life.

Travel autonomy: In 2019, regulations were amended to allow women over the age of 21 to travel abroad without a male guardian's permission.

Employment opportunities: Women have been granted increased access to employment opportunities in various sectors, including previously male-dominated fields. Initiatives are in place to increase female representation in the workforce.

New laws: New laws have been enacted to protect women from domestic violence and harassment. ​

Educational reforms and curriculum modernisation

Saudi Arabia has undertaken significant educational reforms to align with international standards and promote a more inclusive curriculum. Significant investments are being made in education to equip Saudi Arabia's youth with the skills needed for a modern economy. Curricula are being modernized, with a greater emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Efforts are underway to promote critical thinking and creativity in the education system. Increased opportunities for women in higher education are a central part of the reforms.

Relaxation of Social Restrictions

·       Public entertainment, including concerts, cinemas, and sporting events, which were previously restricted, are now commonplace.

·       The dress code, while still generally conservative, has become more relaxed, particularly for foreign visitors and in designated tourist areas.

Economic Diversification

Beyond social reforms, ‘Vision 2030’ aims to transform Saudi Arabia's economy, reducing its reliance on oil and fostering growth in new sectors.

·       Saudi Arabia is actively fostering ties with non-Muslim majority nations, including India, China, and Russia. This reflects a pragmatic approach to foreign policy, prioritizing economic and strategic interests.

·       The country’s participation in the BRICS Summit signifies a shift towards a more multipolar world order.

·       While historically a close ally, Saudi Arabia's relations with Pakistan have seen a degree of recalibration. The Kingdom is increasingly prioritizing its own economic and strategic interests, which may not always align with Pakistan's.

Saudi’s ‘Vision 2030’ and India’s ‘Make in India’

While operating within vastly different socio-political contexts, Saudi Arabia's "Vision 2030" and India's "Make in India" initiative share a common thread: a strategic ambition to diversify their economies, enhance their global standing, and empower their citizens. Launched in 2016 and 2014 respectively, these ambitious programs offer intriguing points of comparison in their objectives, approaches, and potential impact.