PM Modi Becomes First Indian Prime Minister in 42 Years to Visit Jeddah

In a historic diplomatic move, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian premier in over four decades to visit the Saudi city of Jeddah, marking a significant moment in India-Saudi relations and the broader geopolitical landscape of the Gulf region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Saudi Arabia on April 22 for a two-day high-profile visit at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. While Modi has previously visited Riyadh, this marks his first visit to Jeddah — a significant step as no Indian Prime Minister has set foot in the city since Indira Gandhi in 1982.

The visit highlights the deepening strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Modi and Crown Prince Salman will co-chair the Strategic Partnership Council in Jeddah, a body established during the Saudi royal’s visit to India in 2019 to enhance bilateral cooperation across defense, trade, and culture.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s second-largest city and its commercial hub, holds particular importance for Indian-Saudi ties. Located on the Red Sea coast, it is also the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, long serving as the port of entry for Indian pilgrims undertaking the Hajj and Umrah.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan emphasized the cultural and historical ties connecting the two nations through Jeddah. “For centuries, Jeddah has been the port for our pilgrims,” he said, underlining the city’s relevance beyond politics.

Strategic Timing Amid Global Turbulence
The timing of Modi’s visit is crucial, as it comes against the backdrop of growing global instability. From the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict and maritime security threats in the Red Sea to the realignment of trade strategies in response to U.S. tariffs under Donald Trump’s administration, India is reinforcing its presence in West Asia.

India and Saudi Arabia, two of the world’s fastest-growing economies and influential G20 members, are emerging as key players in shaping the Global South. Modi and Crown Prince Salman both maintain strong diplomatic ties with global leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that Modi’s visit is expected to touch on several regional issues, including the Middle East peace process and defense collaboration. The current India-Saudi trade stands at approximately USD 43 billion, with expectations for further growth.

Focus on Indian Diaspora and Industry
During his stay, Modi is also scheduled to visit a factory in Jeddah where a significant number of Indian workers are employed. He will interact with the Indian diaspora, which makes up a large part of the 2.7 million Indians residing in Saudi Arabia. The move underscores India’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and supporting its overseas citizens.

Meanwhile, back in India, Modi’s administration is facing criticism over amendments to the Waqf laws that govern Muslim religious and charitable properties. Observers note that his visit to Saudi Arabia may also help to project a message of engagement with the Islamic world during a sensitive time.

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jeddah marks not only a diplomatic milestone but also reaffirms India’s evolving role in global politics. As regional conflicts persist and economic realignments unfold, India’s engagement with Saudi Arabia appears more strategic than ever.

#ModiInJeddah #IndiaSaudiRelations #JeddahVisit #ModiMiddleEast #StrategicPartnershipCouncil #IndianDiaspora #IndiaGulfTies