PM Modi embarks on key visit to Saudi Arabia to strengthen bilateral ties

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, accepting an invitation from Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Mohammed bin Salman.

The visit, scheduled from April 22 to 23, marks a continuation of India’s growing engagement with the Gulf region under Modi’s leadership.

Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has significantly deepened India's relationships with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. This trip represents his third to Saudi Arabia—following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019—and his 15th to the Gulf region overall.

In comparison, all previous Indian Prime Ministers combined visited Saudi Arabia only three times over the past seventy years.

“Today, I embark on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” PM Modi said in his pre-departure statement.

Reflecting on the growing ties between the two countries, he noted, “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy and people to people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.”

Highlighting the importance of the visit, PM Modi said he is looking forward to participating in the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. “This will be my third visit to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and a first one to the historic city of Jeddah. I look forward to participating in the second Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and build upon the highly successful State visit of my brother His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023,” he said.

He also emphasized the significance of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, saying, “I am also eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties.”

During his stay, PM Modi is expected to visit a facility employing Indian workers and engage with them directly.

In a special press briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the visit would be an important platform to address major regional and global concerns—including the evolving situation in West Asia, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the maritime security challenges posed by Houthi attacks.