Prime Minister Narendra Modi was greeted with immense enthusiasm and patriotic fervor by the Indian diaspora upon his arrival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on April 22. As the Prime Minister arrived at his hotel, chants of “Modi, Modi” echoed through the air, reflecting the admiration and emotional connection that the overseas Indian community feels towards him. Members of the Indian diaspora, waving the tricolour and holding placards of support, turned out in large numbers to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister and to personally extend their warm welcome.

PM Modi is visiting Saudi Arabia on the invitation of the Kingdom’s Crown Prince and Prime Minister, His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman. This visit marks a significant step forward in strengthening the strategic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations.

A key highlight of the visit will be the second Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, which will be co-chaired by PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Council was established in 2019 to deepen cooperation between the two countries across critical sectors such as energy, security, trade, investment, infrastructure, and technology.

During the meeting, both leaders are expected to review the progress made under the various pillars of the strategic partnership, discuss regional and global developments, and explore new avenues of collaboration to further elevate bilateral relations. This engagement is also likely to result in the signing of multiple agreements and MoUs, paving the way for future joint initiatives.

Beyond the formal diplomatic engagements, the Prime Minister’s visit also carries emotional significance for the Indian community in Saudi Arabia, which comprises one of the largest and most vibrant segments of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region. The enthusiastic reception in Jeddah is a testimony to the strong people-to-people bonds that underpin the India-Saudi Arabia relationship.

PM Modi’s outreach to the diaspora has consistently been a cornerstone of his foreign visits, and the scenes in Jeddah reaffirm the reciprocal admiration shared between the Prime Minister and overseas Indians. His visit is not only a reaffirmation of India’s commitment to its global partnerships but also a moment of pride and joy for Indians living abroad.