Modi’s Historic Jeddah Visit: A New Dawn for India-Saudi Ties

Image Source: Firstpost

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will become the first Indian Prime Minister in more than 40 years to visit Saudi Arabia's thriving commercial center, Jeddah, when he touches down there, making history. The historic two-day visit, starting April 22, is a turning point in the increasingly deepening bond between India and Saudi Arabia—two of the globe's fastest-growing economies and key voices in international affairs.

Modi’s visit comes at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and will see both leaders co-chair the second meeting of the Saudi-India Strategic Partnership Council. The agenda is packed: from boosting energy cooperation and defense partnerships to advancing the ambitious India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor, a trade route set to transform regional connectivity and economic integration.

With bilateral commerce touching $43 billion and a flourishing Indian diaspora of close to 2.7 million within the Kingdom, the visit betrays India's resolve to develop ties that reach across economic, cultural, as well as strategic spheres. Fresh agreements are also on the horizon, further underlining India's position as one of the regional players in West Asian geopolitics and ensuring access to crucial energy supplies for the future.

Sources: NewsOnAir, Arab News, DD India