New Delhi, April 22 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a landmark two-day visit, during which India and Saudi Arabia are expected to sign at least six major memoranda of understanding (MoUs), with talks continuing late into Monday to finalise additional agreements.
Modi is scheduled to meet Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud later on Tuesday, where discussions will include India’s Hajj quota and broader cooperation across strategic sectors.
“This is my third visit to the Kingdom and the first to the historic city of Jeddah,” Modi said in his departure statement, calling the Saudi crown prince “my brother.”
He noted that ties between the two countries have gained “strategic depth and momentum” in recent years.
India’s envoy to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, told PTI that the visit holds special significance as Modi becomes the first Indian prime minister to visit Jeddah in four decades.
“Jeddah has historically served as a vital port for trade between India and Saudi Arabia and continues to be the gateway for Umrah and Hajj pilgrims,” he said.
The Indian delegation is expected to sign agreements in sectors such as space, energy, health, culture, scientific research, and advanced technology.
“Meetings in Riyadh continued till late Monday night to finalise MoUs. More than a dozen are under active discussion,” a senior official involved in the negotiations told PTI.
Sources confirmed that efforts were ongoing even 24 hours ahead of the visit to wrap up potential agreements on trade, investment, and defence cooperation.
India’s growing Hajj quota is also expected to be raised during the bilateral talks. The allocation for Indian pilgrims has increased to 175,025 in 2025, up from 136,020 in 2014.
However, issues persist: delays by Combined Haj Group Operators in securing contracts have meant around 42,000 Indian pilgrims may miss this year’s pilgrimage despite arrangements being made for 122,518 individuals.
“Hajj is a very important activity and the Government of India gives it a lot of importance. There has always been great coordination between the Saudi government and India on Hajj matters,” Ambassador Khan said.
Modi is also set to attend the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, building on the crown prince’s state visit to India in 2023.
He underlined that both countries are committed to “regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability.”
On Wednesday, the prime minister will visit a Saudi factory employing Indian workers, underscoring the contributions of the Indian diaspora in the Kingdom.
“Our vibrant community here continues to serve as a living bridge between the two nations,” Modi said.
