PM Modi’s Saudi Visit Won’t Impact Waqf Law, Say Government Sources | Exclusive

Last Updated:April 22, 2025, 17:15 IST

PM Modi is visiting Saudi Arabia on April 22 and 23 at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia with Prime Minister Narendra Modi (AP File Image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to Saudi Arabia is unlikely to have any bearing on the Waqf Amendment Act, said top government sources.

Modi is visiting Saudi Arabia on April 22 and 23 at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

‘SAUDI AVOIDS COMMENTS ON INTERNAL MATTERS’: WHAT GOVERNMENT SOURCES SAY

The Waqf Amendment Act addresses internal governance and transparency issues. This amendment repeals contentious provisions like Section 40 (arbitrary property claims) and ‘Waqf by user’. It enhances accountability by subjecting Waqf tribunals to the Limitation Act (1963) and allowing High Court appeals.

The government has framed the law to empower marginalised Muslims such as widows and divorcees and curb the elite misuse of Waqf properties.

“Saudi Arabia typically avoids commentary on India’s internal religious or legislative matters, prioritising mutually beneficial economic partnerships. Both the nations share concerns about extremism and maritime security in the Arabian Sea. Joint military exercises Al-Mohed-Al-Hindi 2023 and intelligence-sharing frameworks are more critical to Riyadh than India’s internal laws," said government sources.

“Saudi Arabia rarely comments on the internal affairs of partner nations unless they directly impact Saudi citizens, investments, or religious sites. Despite global criticism, Saudi Arabia maintained silence on India’s Citizenship Amendment Act, prioritizing energy ties. Saudi Arabia has largely avoided taking sides, framing it as a bilateral India-Pakistan matter," said sources.

The act is aimed at curbing corruption and empowering marginalised groups such as Muslim women which aligns with Saudi Arabia’s own reforms like women’s driving rights and Riyadh has no incentive to oppose such measures.

The Waqf Act applies to Sunni and Shia trusts equally. Saudi Arabia, a Sunni-majority state, has no sectarian stake in this reform.

INDIA-SAUDI TIES

“Saudi Arabia is India’s second-largest trading partner, with $43 billion in bilateral trade, primarily in oil and gas. The visit emphasises strengthening strategic, economic, and energy partnerships, reflecting long-term goals rather than domestic legislative developments such as the Waqf Act," said sources.Modi had highlighted opportunities for Saudi investments in India’s infrastructure, logistics, and tech sectors under the Viksit Bharat 2047 initiative. Similarly, the Saudi Vision 2030 reflects Indian contributions with projects such as NEOM and Riyadh Expo 2030. “The growing defence cooperation, including joint military exercises and counterterrorism efforts, underscores mutual trust," said sources.Also, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor connectivity project, launched during the 2023 G20 Summit, aims to boost commerce and energy integration, with Saudi Arabia as a key partner.

SAUDI & OTHER COUNTRIES

While Pakistan remains a close ally, Saudi has increasingly prioritised India due to its economic leverage $3.7 trillion GDP and energy demand. Riyadh cannot afford to alienate India by criticising domestic laws, especially when Pakistan’s economy ($350 billion GDP) offers limited strategic value.In 2019, Saudi Arabia had ignored Pakistan’s objections to Modi’s Riyadh visit, giving a clear signal on its neutrality on Kashmir.Despite China’s persecution of Uyghur Muslims, Saudi Arabia deepened partnerships with $ 50 billion refinery deals.Saudi-Israel normalisation talks continue despite Israel’s policies in Palestine.Location : First Published:

News india PM Modi’s Saudi Visit Won’t Impact Waqf Law, Say Government Sources | Exclusive