Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, where he was accorded a grand ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute and a rare aerial escort by Royal Saudi fighter jets as his aircraft entered the Kingdom’s airspace.
Upon landing, the Prime Minister shared a message on social media platform X, expressing optimism about the visit. “Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow,” PM Modi wrote.
Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Y1HNt9J4nG
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
The visit, taking place at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman, marks PM Modi’s third trip to the Kingdom, following his earlier visits in 2016 and 2019. Notably, during his 2016 visit, he was honoured with the prestigious “King Abdulaziz Sash,” Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian award.
The Ministry of External Affairs shared visuals of the fighter jet escort and the warm reception on social media, calling it a “special gesture” reflecting the deepening partnership between the two countries.
During the visit, PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will jointly chair the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council — a key forum established to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, energy, technology, and security.
