Modi Saudi Arabia Visit Live Updates: PM Modi receives 21-gun salute welcome in Jeddah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake two day official visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking his first visit to the Kingdom's commercial capital and his third trip to Saudi Arabia overall, following visits in 2016 and 2019.The visit comes at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman and is a part of the ongoing efforts to deepen bilateral ties between the two nations. PM Modi and the Crown Prince will co-chair the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, a key platform aimed at strengthening cooperation across multiple sectors.A significant number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, with a strong focus on enhancing economic collaboration, advancing defence cooperation, and addressing pressing regional political issues. The visit also highlights the vital role of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, with around 2.7 million Indians contributing to the Kingdom’s economic development while maintaining close cultural and familial connections with India.Defence cooperation remains a strong pillar of the bilateral relationship, with both nations having signed a defence MoU in 2014. Since then, India and Saudi Arabia have conducted joint naval and land military exercises, and new rounds of drills are expected soon.Discussions will also expected to cover regional and global issues, including the situation in West Asia, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and maritime security challenges posed by Houthi attacks. With bilateral trade currently valued at approximately $43 billion, PM Modi’s visit is poised to significantly boost ties between India and the broader Gulf region.