New Delhi [India]: Prime Minister Narendra Modi returned to New Delhi early Wednesday morning after cutting short his two-day state visit to Saudi Arabia, following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Originally scheduled to return Wednesday night, the Prime Minister skipped the official dinner hosted in his honour and decided to fly back immediately, government sources confirmed.
PM Modi was in the Kingdom at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where the two leaders co-chaired the second India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) meeting in Jeddah on Tuesday.
🤝 Strengthening Strategic Ties
During the SPC meeting, both leaders conducted extensive talks on key areas of bilateral cooperation — including defence, energy, trade, investment, tourism, and people-to-people ties. The Council was also expanded with the addition of two new Ministerial Committees on Defence Cooperation and Tourism & Culture Cooperation.
“They also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest and the ongoing cooperation under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC),” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on X.
PM Modi extended an invitation to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to visit India for the third SPC meeting. The leaders appreciated the progress made since their last meeting in New Delhi in September 2023, noting the uptick in high-level engagements between both countries.
🕊️ Condemnation of Terrorism
In a strong show of solidarity, Mohammed bin Salman condemned the Pahalgam attack and offered condolences for the innocent lives lost. Both leaders reiterated their firm resolve to fight terrorism in all its forms.
Additionally, PM Modi met Muslim World League Secretary General Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who also condemned the attack and highlighted the League’s stance against extremism and violence. PM Modi praised the League’s efforts in promoting tolerance, moderation, and social harmony.
“India’s incredible diversity is a strength, and we commend the Muslim World League’s role in upholding shared human values,” the Prime Minister remarked, recalling his previous meeting with Al-Issa in July 2023.
🛬 Ceremonial Welcome and Warm Bilateral Ties
Highlighting the warmth of the relationship, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan detailed the special honours accorded to PM Modi, including a 21-gun salute and fighter jet escort upon entering Jeddah airspace.
“These gestures exemplify the importance Saudi Arabia places on its relations with India,” Khan stated at a special press briefing, noting the Prime Minister’s personal rapport with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
PM Modi also met Padmashri Nouf Marwaii, a yoga practitioner and cultural bridge-builder, and engaged with members of the Indian diaspora, emphasizing India’s growing soft power and grassroots ties abroad.
This visit marked PM Modi’s third trip to Saudi Arabia, following his visits in 2016 and 2009, and further deepens a relationship that has grown strategically over the past decade.
📌 Key Highlights of the Visit:
- Co-chaired India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council in Jeddah
- Strengthened collaboration on defence, investment, energy, and tourism
- Expansion of SPC with two new Ministerial Committees
- Strong condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack by Saudi leadership
- High-level engagement with Muslim World League
- Ceremonial honours: 21-gun salute, fighter jet escort
- Direct outreach to Indian diaspora and cultural ambassadors