JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day state visit aimed at deepening the strategic and economic ties between India and Saudi Arabia. Both nations have described this partnership as rooted in centuries-old trade and cultural bonds.
Modi’s trip, at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, marks his third visit to Saudi Arabia in the last decade, but his first to the historic coastal city of Jeddah. The visit follows the Crown Prince’s high-profile state trip to India in 2023, which Modi called a “highly successful” milestone in his departure statement from New Delhi.
Shortly after landing, Modi wrote on social platform X: “This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow.”
The Indian leader received a grand welcome upon arrival, highlighted by a rare mid-air escort by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets — a gesture widely viewed as a signal of the countries’ growing defense cooperation (MEA). Later at his hotel, Saudi singer Hashim Abbas serenaded Modi with the patriotic Hindi song “Ae Watan” from the film “Raazi”, a performance that drew applause from the prime minister and cheers from the gathered Indian diaspora.
During his stay, Modi is set to co-chair the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Established in 2019 during Modi’s previous visit to Riyadh, the council aims to deepen cooperation in key sectors such as energy, security, agriculture, and technology.
Speaking to Arab News ahead of his trip, Modi praised Saudi Arabia as “one of India’s most valued partners, a maritime neighbor, a trusted friend, and a strategic ally.” He added, “Our connection is not new. It is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries. From ideas to trade, there has been a constant flow between our two great nations.”
The prime minister highlighted that bilateral trade had remained robust even during global economic uncertainty, with energy, agriculture, and fertilizers identified as core sectors. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted prior to the trip that India-Saudi trade stood at nearly $43 billion and emphasized expectations of bolstered defense collaboration and expanded business opportunities.
Modi’s visit also coincides with preparations for the annual Haj pilgrimage, where Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs George Kurian announced the selection of 620 deputationists, including administrative and medical staff, to assist Indian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia this year. During an orientation program in New Delhi, Kurian urged the selected team to carry out their duties with “utmost sincerity and commitment.”
Throughout his visit, Modi engaged warmly with the local Indian community, which numbers over 2.7 million, the largest expatriate group in Saudi Arabia. Many members gathered at his hotel, waving Indian flags and performing traditional dances in his honor. One woman, speaking to ANI, described the experience of seeing the prime minister as overwhelming: “My heart swelled and tears welled up in my eyes.”
As India eyes becoming a $5 trillion economy, the business community sees Saudi Arabia playing a pivotal role. Lulu Group International Chairman Yusuf Ali told ANI that the personal rapport between Modi and the Crown Prince bodes well for future collaboration, especially in light of Saudi Arabia’s sweeping Vision 2030 reforms.
Looking ahead, both leaders are expected to discuss regional stability, energy security, and mutual investments during their council meeting. In a world rife with geopolitical tension, Modi emphasized the “limitless potential” of India-Saudi ties, anchored in what he described as “mutual trust and goodwill.
