In a gesture reflecting deepening strategic ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft was escorted by Saudi Arabia’s F-15 fighter jets as it entered the kingdom’s airspace, marking a symbolic and warm welcome to his two-day visit to the Gulf nation. This visit is being seen as a key diplomatic moment, reinforcing India’s growing relationship with Saudi Arabia, particularly in the sectors of trade, defence, and cultural cooperation.
Narendra Modi’s landmark visit and bilateral agenda
This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jeddah in 40 years, undertaken at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the visit, both leaders are set to co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, a platform formed during Narendra Modi’s 2019 visit to bolster bilateral ties. The Prime Minister, who was conferred Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour in 2016, will also tour a local factory that employs Indian workers.
Narendra Modi has often highlighted Saudi Arabia as one of India’s most valuable strategic partners. Speaking to Arab News, he expressed optimism over the “limitless potential” in bilateral ties and described the present as a promising era for India-Saudi cooperation. “India and Saudi Arabia will keep moving forward together – for peace, progress and prosperity, not just for our people, but for the entire world,” he said, underlining the importance of the Gulf nation in India’s foreign policy.
Agreements and Haj discussions on the table
At least six key memoranda of understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during Narendra Modi’s Jeddah visit, according to official sources. These agreements are likely to focus on areas such as energy, digital infrastructure, investment, and innovation, cementing the evolving strategic partnership.
Another important item on the agenda is India’s Haj quota. India’s quota for 2025 has increased to 175,025 pilgrims from 136,020 in 2014. Of this, arrangements for 122,518 pilgrims have been finalized. However, there are concerns that around 42,000 Indian pilgrims might miss this year’s pilgrimage due to delays by Combined Haj Group Operators in signing contract agreements. Narendra Modi is expected to raise this issue during his meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
Narendra Modi’s visit reaffirms the shared commitment of both countries to enhance cooperation, boost regional security, and explore new avenues for growth in a rapidly evolving global order.
