PM Modi lands in Saudi Arabia for landmark 2-day visit; Hajj talks, strategic council meet and MoUs on agenda

PTC Web Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a significant two-day visit at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. In a symbolic and warm gesture, Saudi fighter jets escorted the Indian Prime Minister’s aircraft before it landed in Jeddah, marking a rare honour for a visiting foreign leader.

This visit is PM Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia in the past decade, but notably his first to the city of Jeddah—and the first by any Indian Prime Minister in 40 years to the city. The visit, spanning April 22–23, is set to strengthen the growing strategic partnership between the two nations, while addressing key issues, including bilateral trade, energy cooperation, technology, defense, and the Hajj pilgrimage.

Among the highlights of the visit is the discussion on Hajj arrangements, particularly the quota for Indian pilgrims. India's Hajj quota has grown from 1,36,020 in 2014 to 1,75,025 in 2025. However, recent delays in finalising contracts by the Combined Hajj Group Operators could prevent approximately 42,000 Indian pilgrims from performing Hajj this year.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, emphasised the importance of Hajj in India-Saudi bilateral relations: “Hajj is a very important activity, and the Government of India gives it high priority. There has always been excellent coordination between the two governments on this matter.”

During his visit, PM Modi will participate in the second meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, building on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's 2023 visit to India for the G20 Summit. Discussions will also include regional issues, including the Israel-Palestine conflict and threats to maritime security posed by Houthi rebel attacks.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that the visit offers a crucial opportunity to address regional tensions, especially in West Asia.

According to official sources, six major Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) will be signed during the visit. These agreements are expected to cover vital sectors such as space cooperation, energy, health, scientific research, culture and advanced technology.

Officials noted that over a dozen MoUs were under discussion in Riyadh ahead of the visit, with multiple agreements likely to be finalized at the official level.

PM Modi is also set to engage with the Indian expatriate community, which is over 2.7 million strong in Saudi Arabia. Calling them the “living bridge” between the two nations, he emphasised their vital role in strengthening cultural and people-to-people ties.

Ahead of his departure, the Prime Minister wrote in his blog: “India’s long-standing relationship with Saudi Arabia has acquired strategic depth and momentum. Together, we have built a mutually beneficial partnership across trade, defense, energy, investment, and people-to-people exchanges.”