In the wake of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has cut short his State visit to Saudi Arabia and returned to India early Wednesday morning. Originally scheduled to return the following night, PM Modi departed Jeddah immediately after concluding key meetings, skipping the official dinner hosted by the Saudi government.
The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the early departure in a post on X. “PM @narendramodi concludes his State Visit to Saudi Arabia and has emplaned for India,” posted MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.
Despite the shortened visit, PM Modi held extensive talks with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The leaders co-chaired the second India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council (SPC) in Jeddah, reviewing the progress of bilateral cooperation and discussing ways to enhance the strategic partnership.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman strongly condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and offered condolences for the innocent lives lost. Both leaders expressed a firm commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms. “The two leaders resolved to combat terrorism tooth and nail,” stated the MEA.
During the SPC meeting, discussions spanned key areas including defence, trade, investment, energy, and cultural ties. The leaders also took stock of progress under the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) and agreed to expand the SPC framework with two new ministerial committees focused on Defence Cooperation and Tourism & Culture Cooperation.
Four bilateral agreements were signed during the visit, covering cooperation in space, health, anti-doping in sports, and postal services. The leaders also appreciated the work of the two main ministerial committees on Political-Security and Economy-Investments.
A highlight of the visit was the reaffirmation of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to investing $100 billion in India across sectors like petrochemicals, infrastructure, fintech, and pharmaceuticals. Both nations welcomed progress on establishing two oil refineries in India and discussed further integration of payment gateways and trade in local currencies.
PM Modi thanked the Crown Prince for the continued support to the Indian diaspora and Hajj pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. The Indian Prime Minister received a ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute and a fighter jet escort upon entering Jeddah airspace.
India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Ajaz Khan, emphasized the warmth of the relationship between the two leaders. “The Prime Minister shares a very personal rapport with His Royal Highness. The special honours, including a 21-gun salute and fighter jet escort, reflect the significance Saudi Arabia places on its relationship with India,” he said.
Though PM Modi’s visit was cut short due to the attack in Pahalgam, his engagements in Saudi Arabia underscored the deepening ties between the two nations and a shared resolve to fight terrorism together.