Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent diplomatic mission to Saudi Arabia has marked a historic milestone, both symbolically and strategically. As he touched down in Jeddah on April 22, 2025, he became the first Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years to visit the bustling Red Sea port city, widely regarded as the gateway to Mecca and Medina, two of Islam’s holiest cities.
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This visit is not just a gesture of friendship; it signals a deepening bilateral engagement between the two nations across multiple sectors—from defence and energy to culture and technology.
Reinforcing the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
PM Modi co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council alongside Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Council, established during the Crown Prince’s visit to India in 2019, serves as a multi-sectoral dialogue platform aimed at enhancing cooperation in key areas.
Focus Areas of Discussion Included:
- Economic cooperation and trade facilitation
- Defence and counterterrorism strategies
- Maritime security and strategic connectivity
- Renewable energy and oil supply assurances
- Labour rights for the Indian diaspora
- Educational and cultural exchange
Six Pacts Signed
India and Saudi Arabia signed six key Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) during the visit, paving the way for joint ventures in sectors such as:
- Digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence
- Healthcare innovation and pharmaceuticals
- Space exploration and satellite technology
- Tourism and heritage restoration
- Energy diversification including hydrogen and renewables
- Vocational training and educational collaboration
Jeddah: A Gateway of Significance
Why Jeddah Matters
Modi’s arrival in Jeddah is noteworthy for several reasons. Unlike the capital Riyadh, Jeddah is a cultural and economic hub and home to millions of Indian expatriates, many of whom serve as the backbone of the local workforce. The Prime Minister’s visit underscores India’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad.
Diaspora Engagement
PM Modi addressed a packed auditorium of Indian nationals in Jeddah, thanking them for their contributions and assuring them of New Delhi’s ongoing efforts to enhance their well-being. He also emphasized the role of the diaspora as ambassadors of Indian values and enterprise.
Boosting Energy and Economic Ties
Energy Security and Transition
India, as the world’s third-largest energy consumer, is heavily reliant on Saudi crude oil. Modi’s discussions with the Crown Prince centered on:
- Long-term oil supply commitments
- Joint ventures in green hydrogen
- Strategic petroleum reserves collaboration
- Bilateral investments in energy corridors
Trade and Investment Push
India and Saudi Arabia have set an ambitious target to elevate bilateral trade beyond $100 billion in the coming years. PM Modi called for:
- Ease of market access for Indian goods
- FDI inflows into India’s infrastructure and manufacturing sectors
- Expansion of India-Saudi Business Council
Defence and Security: A New Era
India and Saudi Arabia are increasingly aligned on defence cooperation, especially in the context of:
- Joint military exercises
- Naval collaboration in the Arabian Sea and Red Sea
- Intelligence sharing on counterterrorism
- Cybersecurity pacts
The two leaders emphasized the need for maritime security frameworks in the Indian Ocean region and stability in West Asia, particularly in view of ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Religion and Diplomacy: A Sensitive Balance
Hajj Quota Expansion
A major highlight of the visit was PM Modi’s request for an enhanced Hajj quota for Indian Muslims, which was warmly received by Saudi authorities. The current quota has increased steadily under his leadership and is expected to reach new heights in 2025, benefiting thousands of Indian pilgrims.
Pilgrimage Support Systems
Talks also included setting up dedicated Indian counters and services in Mecca and Medina during the pilgrimage season, and ensuring safety and dignity for all pilgrims.
Vision 2030 and Indian Talent
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 plan seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil, and India is seen as a crucial partner in this transformation. Indian talent is contributing significantly to:
- IT and digital services
- Infrastructure development
- Healthcare and engineering
- Hospitality and entertainment industries
PM Modi expressed confidence that Indian professionals will play a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s modernization efforts.
Geopolitical Significance: Navigating Regional Challenges
This visit also comes amid a complex regional and global backdrop, including the Ukraine conflict, Red Sea instability, and Israel-Gaza tensions. India, as a balancing voice, reaffirmed its commitment to peace, regional stability, and multilateral diplomacy. Modi’s talks with the Crown Prince included an assessment of:
- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- The need for a multipolar West Asia
- Food and energy supply chain security
Looking Ahead: A Golden Era of India-Saudi Ties
The visit has set the tone for a new chapter in India-Saudi relations, based on mutual respect, strategic interests, and people-to-people connections. Both sides have shown intent to nurture a comprehensive, future-ready partnership that transcends oil and trade, to include defence, technology, and cultural harmony.
Moving Forward
PM Modi’s visit to Jeddah is far more than a diplomatic photo-op—it is a visionary leap in bilateral ties, symbolic of India’s growing stature in global affairs and Saudi Arabia’s trust in New Delhi as a reliable partner. As the world watches, this evolving relationship stands as a testament to what strategic foresight, mutual respect, and cultural diplomacy can achieve.
By – Nikita
