This handout picture released by the Saudi Press Agency shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (L) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi shaking hands after an agreements signing ceremony in Jeddah on April 22, 2025.
| Photo Credit: AFP
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia after terrorists killed at least 26 Indians in Pahalgam. Official sources informed that bilateral discussions between the Saudi and Indian sides took place though Mr. Modi decided to leave hours after landing in the Gulf kingdom.
Earlier, Mr. Modi reached the historic city of Jeddah on Tuesday (April 22, 2025) for a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. Before leaving for the visit, the Prime Minister said bilateral ties with Saudi Arabia had gathered “significant momentum” in recent years and described the Gulf kingdom as a “force of positivity and stability”.
“India values our historic relations with Saudi Arabia. Bilateral ties have gained significant momentum in the last decade. I look forward to participating in the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. I will also be interacting with the Indian community there,” said the Prime Minister in a pre-departure statement. As a special gesture, the Prime Minister’s aircraft was escorted by F15 aircraft of the Royal Saudi Air Force in the Saudi airspace.
In an interview with Arab News, Saudi Arabia’s leading English publication, Mr. Modi described the energy-rich kingdom as “one of India’s most valued partners, a trusted friend and a strategic ally.” “In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability.” The Prime Minister described Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a “strong advocate of our bilateral ties.”
‘Deep impression’
“Every time I have met him, His Royal Highness has left a deep impression on me. His insights, his forward-thinking vision and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable,” said Mr. Modi in his remarks about the Saudi Crown Prince who is also the Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.
The Prime Minister said India and Saudi Arabia were working on a Bilateral Investment Treaty. He shared that India and Saudi Arabia were currently working on feasibility studies as part of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) initiative. “We consider Saudi Arabia as a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability in the region,” said Mr. Modi, who also sought Saudi investments in the Indian defence production sector.
Published – April 23, 2025 12:41 am IST
