Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – In a special gesture of goodwill, the Royal Saudi Air Force’s F15 fighter jets escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft as it entered Saudi Arabian airspace near Jeddah. This escort marked the beginning of PM Modi’s two-day state visit to the Gulf nation.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the escort in a tweet on X, stating, “PM Narendra Modi has embarked on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This is the PM’s third visit to the Kingdom. The second Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council will be co-chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and HRH Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia.”
PM Modi departed for Jeddah on Tuesday, April 22nd, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. His visit, scheduled for April 22nd and 23rd, underscores the growing importance of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship.
Since 2014, under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s relations with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations have seen significant growth. This visit marks his third trip to Saudi Arabia and his fifteenth to a Gulf nation.
“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,” PM Modi stated before his departure.
He further emphasized the strategic importance of the relationship, saying, “India attaches high priority to its long-standing and strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, which has witnessed significant momentum in recent years. 1 We have forged a strong and mutually beneficial partnership in areas such as defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties. 2 We share a common interest and commitment to enhance regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.”
