PM Modi embarks on Saudi visit to boost strategic, bilateral ties

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday (April 22) began a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia during which he will take part in a Strategic Partnership Council meeting and hold talks with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

"Departing for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to participate in a series of meetings and programmes. India greatly values its longstanding ties with Saudi Arabia, which have seen significant growth over the past 10 years," the Prime Minister posted on X.

Modi will become the first Indian leader to visit Jeddah in more than 40 years. Indira Gandhi was the last Indian prime minister to travel to Jeddah in 1982. This is Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia in a decade.

Also read: PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia: Boosting defence, energy, investment ties to be focus

Modi calls Saudi prince ‘brother’

“I look forward to attending the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and engaging with the Indian diaspora there,” Modi added.

The external affairs ministry said that Modi will hold talks with Crown Prince Salman — who the Indian leader described as “my brother” — to further enhance bilateral relations.

Later, the ministry shared a video, evidently captured from the prime minister's plane, with the following caption: “As a special gesture for the State Visit of PM Narendra Modi, his aircraft was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force as it entered the Saudi airspace.”

Deep ties with Riyadh

“India places great importance on its deep-rooted and historic relations with Saudi Arabia, which have grown in strategic depth and significance in recent years,” Modi said in a departure note.

“Our partnership now covers critical areas such as defence, commerce, investment, energy and people-to-people exchanges. We share a mutual interest in ensuring peace, prosperity and stability in the region.”

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Defence, trade ties

India and Saudi Arabia are likely to deepen their defence cooperation and expand their economic ties, Indian officials have said.

Currently, bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at around USD 43 billion. Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest trading partner and home to 2.7 million Indians who live and work there.

Middle East conflicts

Modi’s visit takes place at a time when the Middle East is in turmoil, with Saudi Arabia refusing to make peace with Israel until a Palestinian state is formed.

Prince Salman is also expected to brief Modi about Israel’s war on Gaza, the situation in Yemen and Lebanon, and the state of Iran.

The visit also comes amid a shifting global trade landscape following sweeping tariff measures introduced by US President Donald Trump, prompting countries to fortify economic ties with trusted partners.

Also read: What Ukraine deal highlights: Saudi Arabia’s new image and Russia’s old grouse

Defence cooperation

India’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, told the media that Modi and Prince Salman will chair a meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council in Jeddah.

The Council was established during Mohammed bin Salman's visit to India in 2019.

Modi is expected to visit a factory in Jeddah where Indian workers are employed. He will interact with the workers.