New Delhi/Jeddah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a landmark two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, marking a renewed and strategic phase in India-Saudi relations.
Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah to a ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute and a rare aerial escort by Saudi fighter jets as his aircraft entered the Kingdom’s airspace.
PM Modi’s visit, made at the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, marks the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to Jeddah in four decades. It comes amid deepening ties between the two influential nations across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, technology, and cultural exchange.
Strategic Council Meeting to Set the Tone
During the visit, PM Modi and the Crown Prince will co-chair the 2nd Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
The meeting is expected to result in the signing of at least six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across diverse sectors, with late-night negotiations underway to finalize additional agreements in areas including trade, defense, and investment.
Officials have confirmed that deals in space, energy, health, scientific research, advanced technology, and culture are among the top deliverables.
Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Y1HNt9J4nG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
In his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, PM Modi will also discuss the annual Hajj pilgrimage, including the quota for Indian pilgrims.
India’s Hajj quota has increased significantly from 136,020 in 2014 to 175,025 in 2025. However, due to contractual delays by Combined Hajj Group Operators, approximately 42,000 Indian pilgrims may be unable to undertake the pilgrimage this year.
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan underscored Jeddah’s historic role as a gateway to Mecca and a traditional hub for Indo-Saudi trade. He emphasized that Hajj coordination remains a key pillar in bilateral dialogue, supported by long-standing cooperation between the two governments.
🇮🇳-🇸🇦 friendship flying high!
As a special gesture for the State Visit of PM @narendramodi, his aircraft was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force as it entered the Saudi airspace. pic.twitter.com/ad8F9XGmDL
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 22, 2025
PM Modi emphasized the untapped potential of India-Saudi economic collaboration. He encouraged Saudi companies to invest in India’s growth sectors, including next-generation infrastructure, renewable energy, healthcare, start-ups, and the blue economy, under India’s Viksit Bharat (Developed India) vision.
“Our companies have built a global reputation for quality and efficiency. I invite Saudi businesses to become partners in India’s transformation journey,” Modi said, noting the significant role Indian firms already play in Saudi Arabia’s mega and giga infrastructure projects.
The visit represents a symbolic and strategic convergence of two rising global players. From traditional trade roots through the port city of Jeddah to high-tech collaborations and global diplomacy, India and Saudi Arabia are poised to enter a new era of engagement.
