WORLD NEWS

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday for his third official visit to the Gulf kingdom, seeking to further cement bilateral relations amid a backdrop of regional diplomacy and global economic shifts.
The visit comes just a day after Modi held high-level talks with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in New Delhi, where India is pushing to finalize a trade deal with Washington and avoid looming tariff threats.
In a statement issued by his office, Modi emphasized the importance of the long-standing relationship between India and Saudi Arabia.
“India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” the statement read.
“Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership.”
Photographs shared on Modi’s official X (formerly Twitter) account showed him being welcomed at Jeddah airport by Saudi officials and dignitaries.
Energy and Economic Interests
India’s rapidly growing economy relies heavily on energy imports, and Saudi Arabia remains a key player in ensuring the nation’s energy security. As of 2024, Saudi Arabia is India’s third-largest oil supplier, a status reaffirmed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
In addition to oil, the Gulf state is home to over two million Indian nationals, who are essential to the kingdom’s labor force, particularly in infrastructure and mega-development projects. These workers also contribute billions of dollars annually in remittances, making the relationship socially and economically significant for India.
Community and Diplomacy
During his two-day visit, Modi is expected to engage with the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia, many of whom have been long-time contributors to the country’s economic development.
The Indian Prime Minister is also expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who, like Modi, fostered strong ties with former U.S. President Donald Trump during his first term. Trump is reportedly planning a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia next month, which would be his first international trip since returning to office.
As geopolitical alliances continue to evolve, Modi’s visit underscores India's strategic pivot towards deepening partnerships in the Middle East, ensuring energy security, expanding economic cooperation, and reinforcing India’s global influence.