Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day visit to Jeddah, invited by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit is significant as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jeddah in 40 years. PM Modi’s visit aims to deepen India-Saudi Arabia relations and enhance cooperation across various sectors, including defense, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties.
#WATCH | Jeddah | Chants of ‘Modi, Modi’ resonate as Indian diaspora welcomes PM Modi on his two-day State visit to Saudi Arabia
(Source: ANI/DD) pic.twitter.com/XeuLLTbTjL
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
During his departure on the eve, PM Modi emphasized the significance of “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.”
Special Military Honors for PM Modi and a Warm Welcome
PM Modi was given a warm reception on his arrival in Jeddah, which comprised playing of the ever-popular song “Ae Watan…” The PM was given a 21-gun salute and a special treatment by the Saudi Arabian Air Force, with F-15 fighter planes escorting his aircraft as it made its entry into Saudi territory.
#WATCH | The song ‘Ae Watan…’ resonates in Saudi Arabia as PM Modi reaches Jeddah pic.twitter.com/dr1DaZ8ex6
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
During this visit, PM Modi will co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, which was established during his 2019 visit to Saudi Arabia to further strengthen bilateral relations. This is PM Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia since assuming office in 2014.
#WATCH | In a special gesture, fighter planes from Saudi Arabia escort Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s plane as it entered Saudi airspace to Jeddah. pic.twitter.com/Vhzxd6ir5p
— ANI (@ANI) April 22, 2025
Visit to Saudi Factory and Continued Partnership
Along with the meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PM Modi will also be visiting a factory in Saudi Arabia where Indian workers are employed. The gesture serves to highlight the increasing significance of the economic and labor relationship between the two nations.
PM Modi has also several times expressed praise for Saudi Arabia as being among India’s most trusted partners, characterizing the time being as an era of “limitless potential” for the two countries’ bilateral relations. The trip is expected to set the ground for more substantial economic, defense, and cultural ties between the two countries.
As PM Modi goes on with his visit, his attention will be on seeking new avenues of cooperation, reaffirming the mutual trust and friendship that characterize India-Saudi Arabia relations.
