Saudi Arabia is one of the most important regional countries in the Gulf and Middle East. Its size, diplomatic heft and political influence makes it a regional power. The country’s quest for fast-paced economic and societal transformation led by Mohammed bin Salman has enthused many in India and the world. Riyadh plans to emerge as the business and connectivity hub in the Gulf and has worked to improve relations with all world powers including China. Facilitated and nudged by the Biden administration, keen to advance and expand the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia was negotiating a normalisation with Israel when the 7 October attack took place. The war that ensued changed the dynamics with Riyadh distancing from the possible deal and stating its position that normalisation with Israel can only follow the establishment of a Palestinian state. India’s relations with Saudi Arabia have improved significantly in recent years with greater political, diplomatic, economic, and strategic engagements. India seeks greater FDIs from the Kingdom in its developmental projects while Saudi Arabia is looking for greater Indian involvement in its mega economic transformation plans. This convergence has brought the two countries together with improved engagement in defence and security sector. In November 2023, during the G20 summit in New Delhi, India and Saudi Arabia, along with several others, announced the launch of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), but its realisation has come under doubts due to the outbreak of the Hamas-Israel war.