In a defining moment for India’s international diplomacy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has become the first Indian PM in over 40 years to visit Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. This visit marks a renewed chapter in India-Saudi relations, highlighting the growing strategic, economic, and cultural alignment between the two nations.
No Indian Prime Minister had visited Jeddah since Indira Gandhi in 1982. Modi’s arrival in the city, seen as a spiritual and commercial hub of Saudi Arabia, represents a historic move in expanding diplomatic ties with the Arab world.
Jeddah is particularly significant for Muslims across the globe, serving as the main entry point for millions of pilgrims heading to Mecca and Medina. By including Jeddah in his itinerary, Modi’s message is clear: India values both diplomacy and cultural inclusiveness.
One of the highlights of the visit was the Strategic Partnership Council meeting co-chaired by Prime Minister Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The council, launched in 2019, is designed to advance bilateral cooperation across key sectors.
Saudi Arabia is one of India’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade touching approximately $43 billion in 2023–24.
This visit carries cultural weight as well. With over 2.5 million Indians living in Saudi Arabia, Modi’s presence resonates with the Indian diaspora and underlines India’s commitment to people-to-people engagement.
By stepping into Jeddah, the spiritual corridor to Islam’s holiest cities, Modi not only acknowledges the importance of Saudi Arabia’s cultural influence but also sends a message of harmony and respect to India’s own Muslim community.
While trade and defense discussions dominate such high-level visits, Modi’s decision to be the first Indian PM in four decades to visit Jeddah carries powerful diplomatic symbolism. It represents India’s evolving global role and its commitment to nurturing ties through mutual respect and shared interests.
The warm reception in Jeddah reflects the mutual admiration between the two countries and their readiness to strengthen ties in the face of regional and global challenges.
As Modi makes history: first Indian PM to visit this Saudi city in over 40 years, it signals a new era in India-Saudi Arabia relations. This visit blends diplomacy with culture, trade with tradition, and paves the way for long-term strategic collaboration.
With this historic step, Prime Minister Modi has not only made history but also reaffirmed India’s growing stature on the world stage.
Authored by, Amay Mathur | Senior Editor
Amay Mathur is a business news reporter at Chegg.com. He previously worked for PCMag, Business Insider, The Messenger, and ZDNET as a reporter and copyeditor. His areas of coverage encompass tech, business, strategy, finance, and even space. He is a Columbia University graduate.
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