“India-Saudi Ties Have Gained Strategic Depth in Recent Years”: PM Modi Ahead of Jeddah Visit

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday departed for 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. The visit marks PM Modi’s third trip to the Gulf nation in the last decade, and his first to the historic city of Jeddah.

In a statement released ahead of his departure, the Prime Minister highlighted the deep-rooted and evolving strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” he said. He emphasized that the relationship has expanded across key sectors including defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people contacts.

During the visit, PM Modi will participate in the 2nd Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, a platform established to advance cooperation on regional and global issues. The meeting is expected to build on the outcomes of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s high-profile visit to India in 2023.

“We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability,” PM Modi stated, adding that the bilateral partnership has become mutually beneficial and increasingly substantive.

Apart from high-level engagements, the Prime Minister will also address the vibrant Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, which he described as a “living bridge between our nations.” He lauded the Indian community for their significant contributions to strengthening cultural and human ties between the two countries.

The visit is seen as a crucial moment in bolstering India’s strategic presence in West Asia, as both nations navigate shared interests in regional security, economic diversification, and energy cooperation.