Saudi Arabia launches new shipping route with India

A new shipping route linking Saudi Arabia's Jeddah Islamic Port with India’s major commercial hubs, Mundra and Nhava Sheva, has been launched by Folk Maritime Services Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF). This ten-day service, operated by two ships, aims to enhance trade between Saudi Arabia and India, particularly in the transport of goods like petrochemicals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Starting in September, this new route will strengthen bilateral trade relations and support Saudi Arabia’s national strategy for transport and logistics services. The initiative aligns with Vision 2030, which seeks to establish the Kingdom as a prominent global logistics hub.

Saudi Arabia is India’s fourth-largest trading partner, while India ranks as the Kingdom’s second-largest. The two nations share significant ties, with Saudi Arabia playing a crucial role in India's energy security and acting as a key partner in investment and technology transfer.

In 2023, Saudi Arabia’s exports to India reached $30.20 billion (Dh110 billion), with imports from India totaling $11.6 billion (Dh42 billion), according to Saudi Arabia's General Authority for Statistics.