Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on April 22, 2025, for a two-day visit after being invited by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and India and Saudi Arabia are set to sign at least six agreements, and talks are ongoing to finalize additional ones.
In his statement before leaving, Mr. Modi mentioned that both countries have built a strong and beneficial partnership in areas like defense, trade, investment, energy, and cultural exchanges. He emphasized their shared goals of promoting peace, prosperity, security, and stability in the region. This marks Prime Minister Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia, and it will be his first time visiting the historic city of Jeddah.
Mr. Modi expressed his excitement for taking part in the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. He is eager to continue the positive developments that came from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s trip to India in 2023. He referred to the Crown Prince as “my brother” and expressed his eagerness to connect with the lively Indian community in Saudi Arabia, which plays a vital role in strengthening cultural and social connections between the two countries.
Agreements to be signed include discussions on Hajj, particularly the number of Indian pilgrims allowed, during his meeting with the Crown Prince later in the day. Sources indicated that Modi and the Crown Prince are anticipated to finalize agreements across several areas, such as space, energy, healthcare, science, culture, and cutting-edge technology. The agreements may include initiatives to facilitate smoother trade processes and encourage joint ventures between Indian and Saudi businesses.
Discussions in Riyadh went on late into Monday to work out the final details, with more than twelve agreements being reviewed, and some of these will be officially signed. Efforts were being made just before Mr. Modi’s arrival to finalize additional agreements related to trade, investment, and defense. This trip is significant as it is the first time in four decades that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Jeddah.
Jeddah is crucial in connecting India and Saudi Arabia, historically serving as a commercial center and functioning as an entry point to Mecca for travelers undertaking Umrah and Hajj, according to Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia.
Hajj is a significant event for the Indian government, which prioritizes it. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been coordinating this pilgrimage, and several subjects have been addressed during the discussions between the two countries, highlighting the strong collaboration between the Saudi government and India concerning the Hajj.
India’s allocation for Hajj in 2025 has risen to 175,025, up from 136,020 in 2014, with provisions set for 122,518 pilgrims. However, because of delays in contracts by the Combined Hajj Group Operators, about 42,000 Indians might miss the chance to go on the pilgrimage this year.
In addition to economic collaboration, the agreements are likely to address cultural and educational exchanges. Both nations recognize the importance of fostering people-to-people connections, which can lead to a better understanding of each other’s cultures and values. Programs aimed at promoting tourism, student exchanges, and cultural festivals could be part of the discussions, further enriching the relationship between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi’s trip to Jeddah is not just about signing agreements; it is also an opportunity to engage in high-level discussions with Saudi leadership. These talks will provide a platform for both sides to express their priorities and explore new avenues for collaboration. The Prime Minister’s previous visits to Saudi Arabia have laid a strong foundation for this partnership, and this trip is expected to build on that momentum.
The significance of this visit is further underscored by the historical context of India-Saudi relations. The two countries share deep-rooted ties that date back centuries, with strong cultural and religious connections. The large Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia plays a vital role in strengthening these ties, contributing to the economy and fostering goodwill between the two nations.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the partnership between India and Saudi Arabia is likely to evolve further. The agreements signed during this visit will serve as a roadmap for future collaboration, ensuring that both countries can navigate the complexities of the global landscape together.
Prime Minister Modi’s upcoming trip to Jeddah represents a significant step forward in India-Saudi relations. The six agreements set to be signed will not only enhance cooperation in various sectors but also reflect the shared vision of both nations for a prosperous and secure future. As they work together to address common challenges and seize new opportunities, India and Saudi Arabia are poised to strengthen their partnership for years to come.
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Sources indicated that Modi and the Crown Prince are anticipated to finalize agreements across several areas, such as space, energy, healthcare, science, culture, and cutting-edge technology.
Discussions in Riyadh went on late into Monday to work out the final details, with more than twelve agreements being reviewed, and some of these will be officially signed.
Efforts were being made just before Mr. Modi’s arrival to finalize additional agreements related to trade, investment, and defense.
This trip is significant as it is the first time in four decades that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Jeddah.
Jeddah is crucial in connecting India and Saudi Arabia, historically serving as a commercial center and functioning as an entry point to Mecca for travelers undertaking Umrah and Hajj, according to Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Indian envoy to Saudi Arabia.
Hajj is a significant event for the Indian government, which prioritizes it. The Ministry of Minority Affairs has been coordinating this pilgrimage, and several subjects have been addressed during the discussions between the two countries, highlighting the strong collaboration between the Saudi government and India concerning the Hajj.
India’s allocation for Hajj in 2025 has risen to 175,025, up from 136,020 in 2014, with provisions set for 122,518 pilgrims. However, because of delays in contracts by the Combined Hajj Group Operators, about 42,000 Indians might miss the chance to go on the pilgrimage this year.
Mr. Modi and the Crown Prince will jointly lead the second session of the Strategic Partnership Council. This council was created during the Prime Minister’s visit in 2019 to enhance the bond between the two nations.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister, who was awarded Saudi Arabia’s top civilian distinction in 2016, will also tour a facility that hires Indian workers.
