_(Logo)_(10)_1789299615725-vHPjly0Q.png)
Saudi Arabia–India Desk
Indian counsel for Saudi law firms, PIF-backed entities, and Gulf investors in India
Saudi Arabia is one of India's most important bilateral partners — India is Saudi Arabia's second-largest trade partner, Saudi Arabia is India's fourth-largest crude oil supplier, and the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia exceeds 2.4 million. The Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia has identified India as a priority investment destination. Saudi Aramco's announced strategic investment in India's refining and petrochemical sector represents one of the largest potential FDI commitments India has received. RevLaw's Saudi Arabia Desk serves Saudi law firms, PIF-backed entities, Saudi Aramco's legal team, and Saudi family offices and private companies seeking Indian legal counsel on their India-related matters.
Bilateral Context
India-Saudi Arabia bilateral trade stood at approximately USD 52 billion in FY 2022–23, dominated by crude oil imports into India. The historical India-Saudi Arabia bilateral investment treaty was among those terminated by India following its 2016 model BIT revision; a replacement treaty has not entered into force. Saudi investors should obtain specific legal advice on available protections and dispute options. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and India's Make in India initiative create strong alignment — particularly in energy, defence, and infrastructure. Saudi family offices and HNWIs are increasingly diversifying into Indian real estate and equity markets, often through NRI or foreign investor structures. Regional arbitration institutions (ICC, SIAC, LCIA) are available for India-Saudi commercial disputes, with enforcement in India under the New York Convention.
Typical Mandates
Key Legal Frameworks
India-Saudi Arabia BIT (terminated)
The historical India-Saudi Arabia bilateral investment treaty was terminated by India following the 2016 model BIT revision. A replacement treaty has not entered into force; Saudi investors should seek specific legal advice on available protections.
FDI Policy (DPIIT)
Governs Saudi investment into Indian entities — sectoral caps, including energy, defence, and infrastructure.
FEMA (NDI) Rules 2019
Governs NRI and Saudi investor participation in Indian equities, real estate, and companies.
New York Convention 1958
Saudi Arabia is a signatory; Saudi arbitral awards from recognised institutions are enforceable in India.
Get in Touch with the Saudi Arabia–India Desk
Write to us or book a call to discuss your SAUDI-ARABIA–India matter.