Jeddah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived here for a two-day visit on the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

This is prime minister's third visit to the country and the first one to the historic coastal city of Jeddah.

"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," Modi posted on X along with pictures.

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

Modi and the Crown Prince will co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, established during the prime minister's 2019 visit to strengthen bilateral ties.

As a special gesture, the Prime Minister's aircraft was escorted by F-15s of the Royal Saudi Air Force in Saudi airspace.

The gesture is being seen as deepening of defence cooperation between the two countries.

Modi described the crown prince as "my brother".

India and Saudi Arabia are set to sign at least six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on Tuesday during Modi's visit to Jeddah.

Highly placed sources told PTI that Modi will also discuss issues relating to Hajj, including the quota for Indian pilgrims, during his meeting with the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, in the evening.

Among the deliverables, the two sides are expected to sign agreements in the fields of space, energy, health, science and scientific research, culture and advanced technology.

On Wednesday, the prime minister, who received Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour in 2016, will also visit a factory employing Indian workers.

Modi will also be interacting with the "vibrant" Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between the two nations and makes an immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties.

Saudi Arabia is home to 2.7 million Indians who live and work in Saudi Arabia.

The Prime Minister is on an official visit to the Kingdom at the invitation of the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

PM Narendra Modi, along with Crown Prince and the PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will co-chair the second Leaders' Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council during his visit to the country.

Since 2014, PM Modi has transformed the trajectory of India's relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries.

This will be PM Modi's third visit to the country, following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019.

All other Prime Ministers before him had visited Saudi Arabia a total of three times in the previous seven decades.

This also marks his 15th visit to a country in the Gulf region.

In an interview with Arab News ahead of his visit to the Kingdom, PM Modi had praised the "limitless potential" of India's growing ties with Saudi Arabia. "In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability." He praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman's leadership, calling him "a strong advocate of our bilateral ties" and a visionary who has inspired global admiration through the reforms under Vision 2030.

Speaking about the 2.7 million strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia, PM Modi told Arab News that he is grateful to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, "for the patronage they have provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia".

PM Modi had also underscored, "For my government, the members of the Indian diaspora are the "rashtradoots" (national ambassadors). The 4Cs -- Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute -- is the motto of our engagement with our diaspora. Their safety, welfare and well-being is paramount for us."

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In an interview with Arab News ahead of his arrival in Jeddah, Modi described Saudi Arabia as "one of India's most valued partners, a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally".

"We consider Saudi Arabia a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability in the region," he said.

'Ae Watan...' resonates in Jeddah

Upon PM’s arrival in the country, he interacted jovially with the members of the Indian community. PM Modi appreciated the performance of the patriotic song "Ae Watan" from the Bollywood blockbuster movie 'Raazi”, which was sung by the members of the Indian community.

The room turned electric and erupted with a fervour of patriotism washing over as the Indian community as the members sang along, and the Prime Minister Modi also clapped to the performance.

He also saw several dance performances, including Kathak, and interacted with the dancers.

Shaking hands with people and waving to them, the PM interacted with the vibrant Indian community in Jeddah.

Indian flags were proudly waved by the community members, who turned out in large numbers to greet their Prime Minister.