India-Saudi partnership has limitless potential: Modi, emplanes for Jeddah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said the India-Saudi Arabia partnership has “limitless potential” and that the Saudi kingdom is a trusted and strategic ally.

Ahead of his arrival in Jeddah for a two-day visit starting today, the PM, in an interview to Arab News, said: “In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability.”

This is Modi’s third visit to the Kingdom since 2016.

Terming Saudi Arabia as “a trusted friend and strategic ally,” the PM emphasized that bilateral relations had expanded significantly since the creation of the Strategic Partnership Council in 2019. “Our partnership has limitless potential,” he said.

Modi described Saudi Arabia Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman as a strong advocate of bilateral ties with India, a visionary who has inspired global admiration through the reforms under Vision 2030 and a leader admired by the Indian diaspora.

“Every time I have met him, His Royal Highness has left a deep impression on me. His insights, his forward-thinking vision, and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable,” he said.

Modi spoke of shared economic ambitions and said bilateral trade had grown amid global challenges, with energy, agriculture, and fertilizers as key sectors.

The two countries have exhibited deep engagement in emerging sectors like green hydrogen and technology, with the PM noting that Indian companies have maintained a strong presence across various sectors in Saudi Arabia.

The PM termed the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), launched during the G20 Summit in September 2023, “a key catalyst of commerce, connectivity, and growth in the entire region” and congratulated the Kingdom for winning the bids to host World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034.

He further stressed growing defense cooperation and landmark joint military exercises as signs of increasing strategic trust.

PM Modi departs for Saudi Arabia

Since 2014, PM Modi has transformed the trajectory of India’s relations with Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries.

This is his third visit to Saudi Arabia, while all PMs before him together visited Saudi Arabia three times in seven decades.

This is also his 15th visit to a country in the Gulf region.

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