Saudi Arabia participation in AIIB annual meeting

During the 11th Annual Meeting of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) in Doha, Saudi Arabian Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan advocated for a developmental approach to infrastructure. He argued that the bank’s success should be measured by “improved infrastructure services, stronger institutions, greater economic resilience, and increased private sector participation” rather than solely by financing volumes.

Al-Jadaan called for increased collaboration with multilateral development banks and better communication with member states to address specific national infrastructure gaps.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Al-Jadaan and Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman concluded negotiations on the India-Saudi Arabia Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). The treaty aims to create a predictable framework for bilateral investments across sectors including defense, energy, technology, and healthcare. Al-Jadaan expressed interest in welcoming further investment from India as part of their broader strategic partnership.

Following these discussions, Sitharaman engaged in further high-level talks in Doha to strengthen economic ties with both Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In her discussions with Al-Jadaan, Sitharaman emphasized Saudi Arabia’s role as a strategic partner in trade, energy, and defense. Both ministers reaffirmed the conclusion of the BIT negotiations, noting the treaty's intent to provide a more predictable framework for bilateral investments.