Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday for a two-day official visit, responding to an invitation extended by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. In a notable gesture, his aircraft was accompanied by Saudi fighter jets as it approached Jeddah, underlining the significance of the trip.

This marks Modi’s third visit to the Kingdom in the last ten years, and notably, the first time in four decades that an Indian Prime Minister has visited the city of Jeddah.

During the visit, PM Modi will engage in talks with the Saudi leadership, focusing on a range of key areas including the annual Hajj pilgrimage and India's quota. He is set to meet with the Crown Prince to address various bilateral matters and regional developments.

Ahead of his trip, the Prime Minister described Indo-Saudi relations as having reached new strategic heights, highlighting shared interests across sectors such as defence, commerce, energy, investment, and cultural exchange. “We have built a solid and beneficial partnership that reflects the depth of our historic ties,” he wrote in a blog post.

Modi’s schedule includes attending the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, following up on discussions initiated during Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India during the G20 Summit in 2023.

He is also expected to connect with members of the Indian community in the Kingdom, which he described as the “living bridge” between both nations. Saudi Arabia is home to 2.7 million Indian nationals, and the community has prepared a cultural reception to welcome the Prime Minister.

Discussions on Hajj are a significant component of the visit. India’s quota for the pilgrimage in 2025 has increased to 175,025—up from 136,020 in 2014—with confirmed arrangements made for 122,518 pilgrims. However, nearly 42,000 may miss out this year due to delays by private Hajj operators in finalizing contracts.

Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan told PTI that Hajj remains a priority in bilateral talks. “There has always been excellent coordination between the two countries on Hajj matters,” he said.

According to sources, six agreements are expected to be signed during this visit, covering cooperation in sectors such as space exploration, renewable energy, scientific research, advanced technologies, healthcare, and culture. More than a dozen additional MoUs are reportedly being negotiated and could be signed at a later date.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, during a pre-visit briefing, indicated that broader regional issues including the conflict in Gaza and maritime security concerns—especially those linked to Houthi activities—would also be on the agenda.

India currently lists Saudi Arabia as its fifth-largest trading partner, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship.