New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Jeddah in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a two-day visit at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.
Since 2014, PM Modi has significantly transformed India’s relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. This marks his third visit to Saudi Arabia, having previously visited in 2016 and 2019. In total, Indian Prime Ministers before him made three visits to Saudi Arabia over the course of seven decades. This visit also marks his 15th trip to the Gulf region.
“Today, I embark on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” PM Modi said in a pre-departure statement.
He added, “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.”
PM Modi referred to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as his ‘brother’ and expressed anticipation for the second Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. He emphasized, “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 building upon the highly successful State visit of my brother His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023.”
The Prime Minister also expressed excitement to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia, which he acknowledged as a living bridge between the two nations, contributing immensely to strengthening cultural and human ties.
During his visit, PM Modi is expected to visit a factory where Indian workers are employed and interact with them.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri noted that the visit will also provide an important opportunity to discuss key regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and maritime security threats posed by Houthi attacks. (ANI)
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