Jeddah, Saudi Arabia:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah on Tuesday. Following the meeting, four key agreements were signed between the two leaders. However, PM Modi had to cut short his visit over the terror attack in Kashmir that claimed the lives of 26 people, including tourists.
The visit by PM Modi to Saudi Arabia was of great strategic importance. The two countries are working towards strengthening their ties even further. They are already strategic partners in the region and have a strong defense partnership. During the meeting, two new ministerial committees were formed, including one on defense, and agreements were made to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India.
Even before his arrival, PM Modi’s aircraft, Air India One, was escorted by Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets as a symbolic gesture of respect reserved for close strategic allies. This gesture highlights the deepening defense cooperation between the two countries.
Upon his arrival, PM Modi received a 21-gun salute while members of the Indian community sang “Saare Jahan Se Achha“. Later, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the Al Salam Palace by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Referring to the Saudi Crown Prince as “my brother,” PM Modi, the first Indian PM to visit Jeddah in over 40 years, expressed his commitment to strengthening the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.
In an interview with Arab News, PM Modi described Saudi Arabia as “a trusted friend, strategic ally, and one of India’s most valued partners.” He emphasized the limitless potential of the India-Saudi partnership and the shared interest in maintaining peace and stability in the region.
PM Modi and the Saudi Crown Prince co-chaired the second meeting of the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council, which was established during PM Modi’s 2019 visit. The council aims to enhance bilateral and strategic ties between the two nations.
“The Council reviewed the work of various committees, subcommittees, and working groups under the SPC, covering political, defense, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, agriculture, culture, and people-to-people ties,” as per an official statement.
Additionally, four key agreements were signed in the fields of defense and space, education, health, and communications. Both sides agreed to collaborate on establishing two refineries in India.
The talks also explored investment opportunities in India and ways to enhance economic and business ties. PM Modi also raised the issue of the Hajj pilgrimage and sought an increased quota for Indian pilgrims.
At the beginning of the meeting, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman expressed solidarity with India over the terror attack in Kashmir, pledging support in this time of grief.
In addition to the strategic council meeting and bilateral talks, PM Modi’s visit included interactions with Indian workers and a diaspora event, which were unfortunately canceled. The Prime Minister left for the airport after his meeting with the Crown Prince and is expected to return to New Delhi early Wednesday morning.
Earlier, PM Modi had a discussion with Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. He has called for a high-level meeting to address the terror attack upon his return.
