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.
This is Prime Minister Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia and his first to the city of Jeddah.
PM Modi is visiting the Kingdom from 22 to 23 April at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
Ahead of his arrival, the Ministry of External Affairs’ official spokesperson posted 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.”
Earlier in the day, he further posted, “PM @narendramodi has departed for a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is PM’s third visit to Saudi Arabia. PM @narendramodi along with Crown Prince & PM of Saudi Arabia, HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman will co-chair the 2nd Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.”
In a pre-departure message, PM Modi, however, described the visit as a continuation of the strong and deepening ties between India and the Kingdom.
“Today, I embark on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” the Prime Minister remarked.
Since 2014, India’s engagement with Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region has significantly expanded under PM Modi’s leadership.
This visit marks his 15th tour to a Gulf country, reflecting the growing importance of the region in India’s foreign policy.
PM Modi also highlighted the robust cooperation between the two nations in various sectors, including defence, trade, investment, energy and cultural exchanges.
“India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia, which have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership 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,” PM Modi further noted.
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