Saudi F15 Fighter Jets Escort PM Modi’s Plane In Grand Gesture As He Begins Jeddah Visit (VIDEO) | (Photo Courtesy: X/@ANI)
New Delhi: In a special diplomatic gesture on Tuesday, April 22, Saudi Arabian fighter jets escorted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft as it entered the kingdom’s airspace, marking a ceremonial start to his two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.
This visit, made at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is Modi’s third as PM and the first by an Indian leader to Jeddah in four decades.
Have a look at the video here:
Strategic Partnership Council Meet and MoUs on the Agenda
During the visit, PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman are scheduled to co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, a bilateral mechanism set up in 2019 to deepen India-Saudi ties. The two sides are expected to sign at least six memoranda of understanding (MoUs), according to a report by PTI. These agreements aim to further cooperation in key areas including energy, trade, and infrastructure.
Speaking to Arab News, Modi described Saudi Arabia as “one of India’s most valued partners, and a trusted friend and ally”, expressing optimism about the growing ties between the two nations.
“India and Saudi Arabia will keep moving forward together – for peace, progress and prosperity, not just for our people, but for the entire world,” he added.
Modi to Raise Concern About Hajj Arrangements
Modi will also visit a factory in Jeddah that employs a significant number of Indian workers, underlining the importance of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region.
In his meeting with the Crown Prince, PM Modi is also expected to raise concerns about Hajj arrangements. India’s quota for 2025 has increased to 175,025 pilgrims from 136,020 in 2014. However, PTI reported that delays by Combined Haj Group Operators may prevent around 42,000 Indians from participating in the pilgrimage this year.
