Jeddah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to Jeddah on, April 22, 2025, following an invitation from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to the city in four decades.
During his visit, India and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign at least six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) across various sectors. Discussions continued late into Monday night to finalize additional agreements, sources told PTI.
In a statement before departure, PM Modi highlighted the evolving partnership between the two nations, emphasizing cooperation in defence, energy, trade, investment, and cultural exchange. He underlined the shared commitment to regional peace and stability and expressed anticipation for participating in the second Strategic Partnership Council meeting with the Crown Prince whom he referred to as “my brother.”
The Prime Minister also mentioned his excitement to engage with the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, recognizing their crucial role as a bridge between the two nations.
Key Agreements on the Table
According to senior officials cited by PTI, agreements likely to be signed include those related to space collaboration, energy cooperation, scientific research, healthcare, culture, and advanced technology. Further trade and defence-related pacts are also being discussed.
Hajj Discussions
The issue of the Hajj pilgrimage is also a significant part of the agenda. PM Modi is expected to hold talks with the Crown Prince regarding India’s Hajj quota, which has increased to 175,025 for 2025, up from 136,020 in 2014. Of this, 122,518 pilgrim arrangements are complete, but nearly 42,000 may miss the journey due to contract delays by Combined Hajj Group Operators.
A Historic Visit
The Indian ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, noted the symbolic importance of Jeddah as a trade and religious hub, being the gateway to Mecca. He emphasized the deep coordination between India and Saudi Arabia on Hajj-related matters and broader bilateral ties.
PM Modi will co-chair the Strategic Partnership Council meeting alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman an institution created during the Indian Prime Minister’s 2019 visit. On Wednesday, he will also visit a factory employing Indian nationals. PM Modi was conferred Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian award in 2016.