Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day official visit to meet Saudi Arabia kingdom’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Modi left for Jeddah on April 22 and is expected to sign at least six memoranda of understanding (MoU) on Tuesday.
PM Modi Arrives In Saudi Arabia For State Visit | What's On Agenda?
“We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability,” Modi said in his departure statement.
This is Modi’s first visit to Jeddah and third visit to Saudi Arabia in the past decade.
“We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability,” Modi said in his departure statement, stressing on the mutually beneficial and substantive partnership between the two countries, in defence, energy, trade, investment and people-to-people ties.
"Meetings in Riyadh continued late Monday to finalise details, with over a dozen MoUs under discussion, some to be signed at the official level," an official told PTI.
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan on Monday said that Modi along with Mohammed bin Salman will chair the meeting of Strategic Partnership Council during his visit to Jeddah.
What Is On The Agenda?
Modi will be bringing up the quota of Indian pilgrims participating in Hajj - the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia - during his meeting, PTI reported.
India’s Hajj quota for 2025 has risen to 175,025 from 136,020 in 2014, with arrangements for 122,518 pilgrims finalised. However, due to delays by Combined Hajj Group Operators in contract agreements, approximately 42,000 Indians are unlikely to perform the sacred pilgrimage this year.
The two leaders will discuss health, research, advanced technology, culture, science, space and energy.
Modi congratulated the kingdom for winning the bids to host World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034, saying it is a matter of “immense pride” as such international events will help boost the local economy.
“As a close friend, India rejoices in Saudi Arabia’s stellar achievements. I would like to congratulate the people of Saudi Arabia and its leadership for being chosen as the host for World Expo in 2030 and FIFA World Cup in 2034,” he continued in an interview with Arab Times.
Modi also spoke on India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, launched during the G20 Summit in September 2023 - calling it the new Silk Route of the 21st century. He said it will help in a transformative integration of Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
“This corridor will define the future of connectivity in all forms for centuries to come. It will become the key catalyst of commerce, connectivity and growth in the entire region. The corridor will enhance connectivity in all its forms, be it physical or digital.” he said.
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He also invited the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to invest in India, saying Saudi companies should take advantage of the remarkable opportunities in India as part of our ‘Viksit Bharat’ journey. They can participate in the growth of India’s next-generation infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare, utilities, innovation, start-ups and “blue economy” sectors.
In terms of energy and crude oil, Modi said that Saudi Arabia has been a reliable partner and that two countries are exploring joint projects in refineries and petrochemicals.
Modi will also be addressing the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, saying the community "continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties.
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