Modi-Mohammed Meeting: India Strengthens Strategic Ties in Saudi Visit

International Desk

At the invitation of Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the development, according to NDTV.

This marks Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia as Prime Minister, scheduled for April 22 and 23. His previous visits took place in 2016 and 2019.

India and Saudi Arabia share a longstanding, close, and friendly relationship, with a rich history of social, cultural, and trade ties. As strategic partners, the two nations maintain strong bilateral relations across various sectors, including politics, defense, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, health, education, culture, and people-to-people connections.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that Modi’s visit aims to deepen and strengthen the multifaceted partnership between the two nations further. Discussions will also cover regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Last September, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited India for the G-20 summit. Following that, Modi’s Saudi visit continues the engagement. In 2019, during his visit to India, the Crown Prince praised Modi, referring to him as a “big brother” and describing himself as Modi’s “younger brother.”

According to a report by *Khaleej Times*, the contribution of Indian expatriates to Saudi Arabia’s economic development is widely recognized.

Saudi Arabia is currently India’s fifth-largest trading partner, while India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest. At least 2.7 million Indian citizens reside in Saudi Arabia, and this number continues to grow.