PM Modi's visit to Saudi Arabia Strengthens India-Saudi Arabia Relations
- In Reports
- 08:32 PM, Apr 22, 2025
- Myind Staff
The Prime Minister’s visit to Saudi is a significant step to bring India-Saudi Arabia relations into a new era. During this time, PM Modi will converse with MBS while certain significant bilateral agreements will be signed. It is important for both nations to desire increased cooperation in economic, defence, and strategic areas.
PM Modi will also visit a local industry and interact with Indian workers. There are over 2.7 million Indians in Saudi Arabia, forming the largest expatriate community in West Asia.
Another feature of the visit would be an event called Marhaba Modi, where the Prime Minister is expected to address the Indians. Tens of thousands of Indians and local residents are expected to attend the event to signify the deep people-to-people ties between the two nations.
As PM Modi's plane entered Jeddah's airspace, the Air India One was escorted by F-15 fighter jets of the Saudi Air Force. On his arrival, he received a monumental 21-gun salute, welcomed by the Indian community singing "Saare Jahan Se Achha."
Before his meetings, PM Modi spoke to the media, calling Saudi Arabia a trusted friend, strategic ally, and one of India’s most valued partners. He further said that the relationship between the two nations holds limitless potential and possibilities. Calling Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman his brother, Modi stated, "Our partnership has limitless potential. In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong as a pillar of stability.”
Over 40 years have passed since an Indian prime minister has visited Jeddah. The prime minister and MBS will co-chair the second meeting of the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council, established during Modi's 2019 visit to institutionalise and further bilateral strategic engagement.
The two leaders are expected to sign six important agreements in defence and space, energy, health, culture, science and scientific research, and advanced technologies. Other topics under consideration in the dialogue include attracting additional Saudi investments into India and exploring ways to strengthen economic and business cooperation.
PM Modi will raise India's Hajj quota. Given the number of Indian Muslims, he will appeal for an increase in the number of Indians allowed to make the annual Islamic pilgrimage, which is of great significance.
In an interview with Arab News, he called Saudi Arabia a "trusted friend and strategic ally," pointing to the strides made at the Strategic Partnership Council established in 2019.
"Every time I have met him, His Royal Highness has left a deep impression on me. His insights, his forward-thinking vision, and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable,” Modi said.
Modi stressed that trade is growing between the two countries despite global economic tensions, including in energy, agriculture and fertilisers. He also called for increased cooperation in emerging areas such as green hydrogen and advanced technology.
The Prime Minister commended Saudi Arabia for taking up the rights to host the World Expo 2030 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, calling it a matter of immense pride. He mentioned that increased defence cooperation and joint military exercises signify immense trust.
Speaking on the IMEEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor), inaugurated during the G20 Summit in 2023, Modi said it would become an important catalyst of commerce, connectivity and growth in the whole region. The Indian government stated that Modi's visit reflects the importance India attaches to its bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to PTI, the Hajj quota for India has increased in 2025 to 175,025 from 136,020 in 2014. So far, arrangements have been completed for 122,518 Indian pilgrims. However, delays by certain travel organisers may cause almost 42,000 Indians to miss the pilgrimage this year.
Bilateral talks will feature major sectors such as health, research, development of new technologies, culture, science, space, and energy. The Prime Minister encouraged Saudi businesses to make investments in India and be part of the country's developmental program, 'Viksit Bharat.'
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