New Delhi, 22 April (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Saudi Arabia for two days, beginning today on tuesday, following an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This marks PM Modi's third trip to the Kingdom, having previously visited in 2016 and 2019. The visit comes after Prince Salman’s State Visit to India in September 2023 for the G20 Summit and the inaugural meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri emphasized the significance of Saudi Arabia as a strategic partner for India, noting its large Indian expatriate community, among the biggest globally. He highlighted Saudi Arabia's influential role in the Islamic world and its increasing participation in regional matters. This visit aims to strengthen ties further, with both leaders maintaining a close, respectful relationship that benefits bilateral relations.

During the visit, PM Modi will be received by the Crown Prince in Jeddah, where they will co-chair the Strategic Partnership Council’s second meeting and sign multiple MoUs. Modi is also expected to visit a factory employing Indian workers. The discussions will include critical regional and global issues, such as the Israel-Palestine conflict and Houthi attacks impacting maritime security.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar