Saudi Arabia will double its supply of crude to India, taking total annual supply to around 40 million barrels as the subcontinent experiences rapid demand growth.

The deal between the two countries has been struck to increase operational output at refineries across India, while new oil training links were also forged.

Reporting from Riyadh, the Press Trust of India said that a total of ten agreements have been signed by India's minister of petroleum and natural gas Murli Deora and his Saudi Arabian counterpart Ali bin Ibrahim Al-Naimi.

"We deeply value Saudi Arabia’s role as a reliable partner in meeting our energy needs. We believe that conditions are ripe for moving beyond a traditional buyer-seller relationship to a comprehensive energy partnership," said Mr Deora, stressing the progress made in oil training cooperation.

Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil producer, with CIA data putting total reserves at around 266 billion barrels.

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