Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia was marked by significant diplomatic progress, despite being cut short due to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. In Jeddah on Tuesday, PM Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, resulting in four key agreements across defence, space, health, and education.

The two leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, where they reviewed progress on cooperation in defence, trade, energy, investment, and cultural exchange. Two new ministerial committees were established, including one on defence, and both countries agreed to collaborate on two refinery projects in India.

Modi described Saudi Arabia as a “trusted friend” and “strategic ally,” emphasizing the limitless potential of bilateral ties. The Saudi Crown Prince expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam terror attack, assuring full support during this time of grief.

PM Modi was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial reception at the Al Salam Palace. His aircraft was escorted by Saudi F-15 jets, highlighting the growing defence cooperation. However, his scheduled address to the Indian diaspora and a factory visit were cancelled following the attack.

Following the bilateral talks, PM Modi left directly for New Delhi to convene a high-level security meeting. His return underscores the seriousness of the situation in Kashmir and the government’s immediate focus on national security.

The visit, though shortened, reaffirmed India-Saudi ties with commitments to deeper strategic cooperation and economic engagement. Saudi Arabia reiterated its intention to invest $100 billion in various sectors in India, including technology, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals, solidifying its role as one of India’s most significant partners in the region.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia was marked by significant diplomatic progress, despite being cut short due to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 people. In Jeddah on Tuesday, PM Modi held wide-ranging bilateral talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, resulting in four key agreements across defence, space, health, and education.

The two leaders co-chaired the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council, where they reviewed progress on cooperation in defence, trade, energy, investment, and cultural exchange. Two new ministerial committees were established, including one on defence, and both countries agreed to collaborate on two refinery projects in India.

Modi described Saudi Arabia as a “trusted friend” and “strategic ally,” emphasizing the limitless potential of bilateral ties. The Saudi Crown Prince expressed solidarity with India over the Pahalgam terror attack, assuring full support during this time of grief.

PM Modi was welcomed with a 21-gun salute and a ceremonial reception at the Al Salam Palace. His aircraft was escorted by Saudi F-15 jets, highlighting the growing defence cooperation. However, his scheduled address to the Indian diaspora and a factory visit were cancelled following the attack.

Following the bilateral talks, PM Modi left directly for New Delhi to convene a high-level security meeting. His return underscores the seriousness of the situation in Kashmir and the government’s immediate focus on national security.

The visit, though shortened, reaffirmed India-Saudi ties with commitments to deeper strategic cooperation and economic engagement. Saudi Arabia reiterated its intention to invest $100 billion in various sectors in India, including technology, infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals, solidifying its role as one of India’s most significant partners in the region.