Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day State visit to Saudi Arabia and received a ceremonial 21-gun salute upon arrival.
Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “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.”
In a special gesture, F-15 fighter jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force ceremonially escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft as it entered Saudi airspace near Jeddah, marking a special gesture ahead of his two-day State visit to the Gulf nation.
The Ministry of External Affairs shared the details of the special gesture, posting on X: “India-Saudi Arabia friendship flying high! As a special gesture for the State Visit of PM @narendramodi, his aircraft was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force as it entered the Saudi airspace.”
PM Modi is in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
During his stay, the two leaders will co-chair the second Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia, following previous trips in 2016 and 2019.
Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has significantly reshaped India’s relations with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region.
Notably, while other Indian Prime Ministers have visited Saudi Arabia three times over several decades, this will be PM Modi’s third visit within just under a decade.
This visit also marks his 15th trip to a country in the Gulf region, reflecting the growing importance of bilateral ties.
In Jeddah, the Indian community is eagerly preparing for a traditional and vibrant reception to welcome the Prime Minister.
Earlier, in a special briefing, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted that India and Saudi Arabia will likely bolster their defence cooperation and expand their economic partnership, currently valued at nearly USD 43 billion.
During his previous visit in 2016, PM Modi conferred with Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘King Abdulaziz Sash’, further strengthening the bond between the two nations.
Also Read: Royal Saudi Air Force Escorts PM Modi’s Aircraft As He Heads To Jeddah
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