Jeddah, April 20 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a landmark diplomatic visit to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from April 22 to 23, in what is being hailed as a pivotal moment in the evolving partnership between the two nations. This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Jeddah in over 40 years, underscoring a renewed commitment to advancing cooperation across key sectors including energy, defense, trade, and regional diplomacy.
The visit also represents a symbolic and strategic milestone, as Jeddah is not only Saudi Arabia’s commercial capital but also a critical node in West Asia’s economic and geopolitical matrix. The engagement is poised to build upon the growing momentum in bilateral relations that have transitioned from historical familiarity to a comprehensive and multifaceted strategic partnership.
A High-Stakes Diplomatic Encounter
Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, confirmed the Prime Minister’s itinerary and emphasized the broader importance of this visit. “The Honorable Prime Minister is visiting from April 22nd to 23rd. This is his first visit to Jeddah, though on two previous occasions he has visited Saudi Arabia. This visit is very important as we are strengthening our strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia,” Khan said.
The significance of the visit is magnified by the fact that 2024 has already witnessed 11 ministerial-level visits from India to Saudi Arabia, reflecting an unprecedented level of bilateral engagement. Such high-frequency diplomatic exchange indicates the seriousness with which both nations are seeking to expand their strategic dialogue and institutionalize mutual cooperation.
Expanding Bilateral Footprint Beyond Traditional Trade
India and Saudi Arabia have historically shared a strong energy-based relationship, with the Kingdom being one of India’s largest suppliers of crude oil. However, the current leadership in both nations has actively pursued a wider strategic agenda. Officials confirm that the talks will focus not only on energy security but also defense cooperation, digital innovation, food security, and regional peace-building mechanisms.
In recent years, the relationship has expanded to include joint military training exercises, cybersecurity collaboration, and an enhanced partnership in counter-terrorism efforts. With regional tensions and shifting global alignments, both nations are increasingly viewing each other as critical stakeholders in West Asia’s evolving power structure.
People-to-People Connections as a Cornerstone
A key pillar of India-Saudi Arabia relations is the presence of the Indian diaspora, estimated at around 2.7 million. Ambassador Khan described the Indian community as a “living bridge” between the two countries, playing a significant role in the development of the Kingdom.
“Indians in Saudi Arabia continue to contribute to the Kingdom’s prosperity while maintaining strong ties with India. This community has participated in the development of Saudi Arabia and continues to reflect the values and aspirations of both nations,” Khan remarked.
The contribution of Indian professionals, workers, and entrepreneurs in sectors ranging from healthcare to construction, IT to education, forms the social fabric of India-Saudi cooperation. The Prime Minister is also expected to meet representatives of the diaspora during his stay in Jeddah.
Shared Interests in Energy and Regional Security
With global energy markets undergoing transitions, India and Saudi Arabia are increasingly exploring long-term energy cooperation beyond crude oil. New areas of collaboration include green hydrogen, solar energy investment, and infrastructure development linked to clean energy initiatives. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to diversify its economy away from oil dependency, aligns well with India’s energy diversification strategy.
Both sides are also expected to engage in high-level discussions on regional issues, including developments in Iran, Yemen, and the Red Sea security architecture. Saudi Arabia’s central role in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and its evolving ties with Israel and other regional players give added importance to India’s diplomatic engagement with Riyadh.
Digital Economy and Future-Ready Initiatives
Technology is emerging as another major area of collaboration. Saudi Arabia has shown keen interest in India’s digital public infrastructure and tech-based financial services ecosystem. Discussions are expected to include opportunities for tech transfer, fintech collaboration, and joint research in AI, data security, and digital governance.
India’s robust startup ecosystem and growing tech capabilities are being viewed as a complementary force to Saudi Arabia’s economic modernization goals, particularly under the Future Investment Initiative (FII) and NEOM smart city projects.
Cultural Diplomacy and Soft Power Engagement
Cultural engagement has also taken center stage in India-Saudi relations. In recent years, both countries have increased exchanges in cinema, literature, education, and tourism. The upcoming visit is expected to include announcements of new cultural exchange programs, increased student mobility, and academic collaborations between Indian and Saudi institutions.
This reflects a shift in the bilateral narrative—from transactional to transformational—where cultural and educational cooperation are now part of the diplomatic mainstream.
Expected Agreements and Institutional Mechanisms
Multiple agreements are expected to be signed during the Prime Minister’s visit, covering bilateral trade enhancement, investment promotion, defense collaboration, digital innovation, and workforce mobility. Some of these will likely be formalized under existing mechanisms such as the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by the respective heads of government.
Sources within the Ministry of External Affairs suggest that a dedicated working group on energy innovation and a new platform for diaspora welfare may also be announced during the visit.
Strategic Outlook in a Multipolar World
The timing of the visit comes amid a recalibration of global alliances and an increasingly multipolar world order. Saudi Arabia is charting a more independent foreign policy course, balancing relations with China, the U.S., Russia, and emerging Asian economies. For India, strengthening ties with West Asian powers like Saudi Arabia is critical for its broader Act West policy.
Jeddah, as a city of commerce and diplomacy, represents more than just a host for bilateral meetings—it is a symbolic gateway to deeper, sustained engagement between India and the Gulf.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Jeddah is set to open a new chapter in India-Saudi Arabia relations. It encapsulates the shared ambition of two rising powers to work closely across multiple domains—economic, strategic, cultural, and geopolitical. As both nations continue to redefine their roles on the global stage, this visit stands as a testimony to their mutual aspirations for prosperity, stability, and partnership in the 21st century.
