Saudi AI cooperation with India took a significant step forward on February 20, 2026, as Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi.
The meeting centered on expanding bilateral cooperation in data and artificial intelligence. Both sides discussed knowledge transfer and expertise exchange as key mechanisms to accelerate digital development in Saudi Arabia and India.
Focus of Saudi AI Cooperation Talks
The discussions addressed concrete areas of collaboration between the two nations. Specifically, the talks highlighted how shared expertise in AI and data could support each country’s digital development targets. The meeting reflects a broader trend of Gulf states deepening technology partnerships with major Asian economies.
Alghamdi Commends India’s Role in Hosting the Summit
Dr. Alghamdi commended India’s leadership in organizing the summit. He stated that hosting such an event demonstrates India’s commitment to supporting international cooperation in advanced technology. Moreover, he noted that effective partnerships are essential for harnessing AI to serve humanity.
“Organizing the summit reflects India’s commitment to supporting international cooperation in advanced technology fields, and its keenness to build effective partnerships that contribute to harnessing artificial intelligence to serve humanity.”
Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President, Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)
Context: India AI Impact Summit 2026
The India AI Impact Summit 2026 serves as a multilateral platform for governments and institutions to align on AI governance and development strategies. Saudi Arabia participated as a delegation, with SDAIA leading the kingdom’s representation. The summit underscores India’s growing role as a host for global AI policy dialogue.
Furthermore, the meeting between Alghamdi and Modi signals that AI diplomacy is becoming a formal component of Saudi Arabia’s international engagement. Bilateral meetings on technology at this level are increasingly common as nations compete to shape global AI frameworks.
Future Outlook for Saudi-India Digital Ties
The two sides did not disclose specific agreements or timelines following the meeting. However, the discussion of knowledge transfer and expertise exchange suggests that formal cooperation mechanisms may follow. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 places digital transformation and AI development at the center of its economic diversification agenda, making partnerships with technology-advanced nations a strategic priority.
India, meanwhile, has positioned itself as a global AI hub, leveraging its large technology workforce and growing domestic AI ecosystem. Consequently, deeper Saudi AI cooperation with India aligns with both countries’ national technology strategies.
