Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, expressing hopes that the visit will strengthen ties between the two nations.
“Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow,” Modi posted on X.
As a special gesture, Modi’s aircraft was escorted by F-15 fighter jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force in Saudi airspace.
‘India Deeply Values Ties’
In his departure speech before leaving for Saudi Arabia, Modi said India deeply values its long and historic ties with the nation in the Middle East that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years.
Before commencing his visit to Saudi Arabia, Modi said: “Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy and people-to-people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.”
“This will be my third visit to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and my first one to the historic city of Jeddah. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and building upon the highly successful State visit of my brother, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to India in 2023,” he said.
Modi said he is eager to meet the Indian community in the country.
Modi said, “I am also eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making an immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties.”
Modi is visiting the country from April 22 to April 23 at the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
(With inputs from IBNS)
