PM Modi’s historic Jeddah Visit, Saudi Arabia — the first by an Indian PM in 40 years — to boost ties in trade, tech, energy, and culture.
New Delhi, April 22: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has embarked on a landmark two-day visit to Saudi Arabia, marking his third trip to the Gulf nation. What makes this visit especially historic is that it’s the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jeddah in four decades.
PM Modi will land in Jeddah on Tuesday afternoon and is scheduled to hold high-level talks with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). The meeting is part of ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral cooperation in multiple strategic sectors.
Why This Visit to Jeddah Matters
According to Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, the choice of Jeddah is particularly symbolic and strategic. As the historic gateway to Mecca and a key port city, Jeddah has long been a hub for India-Saudi trade and cultural exchanges. It is also the entry point for Indian pilgrims visiting Mecca for Hajj and Umrah.
“Jeddah has served as the traditional bridge between India and Saudi Arabia for centuries,” Ambassador Khan said, underlining the city’s importance in bilateral relations.
Strengthening Strategic Ties
During the visit, India and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign six significant agreements. These pacts will cover areas such as:
- Space exploration and technology
- Energy cooperation
- Health and medical research
- Cultural exchange
- Scientific and advanced technology collaboration
Another key highlight of the visit is the Second Strategic Partnership Council Meeting, co-chaired by PM Modi and Crown Prince MBS. The council, established during PM Modi’s 2019 visit, aims to enhance strategic dialogue and policy alignment between the two countries.
PM Modi’s Message Ahead of Visit
Before departing for Jeddah, PM Modi emphasized the importance of India-Saudi relations. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he said:
Leaving for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where I will be attending various meetings and programmes. India values our historic relations with Saudi Arabia. Bilateral ties have gained significant momentum in the last decade. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
“Leaving for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where I will be attending various meetings and programmes. India values our historic relations with Saudi Arabia. Bilateral ties have gained significant momentum in the last decade. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and interacting with the Indian community there.”
Conclusion
PM Modi’s historic visit is expected to further cement India-Saudi Arabia ties, especially in emerging sectors like technology and space. It also reaffirms India’s growing diplomatic engagement with key players in the Middle East, with Jeddah serving as a symbol of both historical roots and future possibilities.
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As updated on NewsAffair360 , PM Modi’s historic visit to Jeddah marks a pivotal step in strengthening India-Saudi ties, paving the way for deeper collaboration in trade, technology, and cultural exchange.
