Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm and heartfelt welcome in Jeddah on Tuesday where an Arabic singer performed a soulful recital of the Indian song ‘Ae Watan.’
The Saudi singer, Hashim Abbas, performed the song from Bollywood movie Raazi to welcome the Indian leader. As the performance proceeded, Prime Minister Modi also joined in by clapping along, while spectators waved Indian flags in the background.
Prime Minister Modi’s arrival was marked by high ceremonial honours. As his aircraft entered Saudi airspace, it was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force, a rare mark of respect. Upon landing, he was also greeted with a traditional 21-gun salute, further underlining the significance the Kingdom attaches to the visit.
The PM is in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
During his visit, PM Modi will co-chair the second Leaders' Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council alongside the Crown Prince. The two leaders are expected to explore deeper defence cooperation and discuss expanding economic ties, which currently stand at nearly $ 43 billion.
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia, following trips in 2016 and 2019. Notably, all previous Indian Prime Ministers combined have made only three visits to the Kingdom over the last 70 years. He was also awarded Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Sash, during his 2016 visit.
The Indian community in Jeddah is preparing a vibrant, traditional welcome, with excitement over the Prime Minister’s arrival. The trip also marks PM Modi’s 15th visit to the Gulf region since taking office in 2014, a testament to the growing strength of India’s ties with the Arab world.
The Saudi singer, Hashim Abbas, performed the song from Bollywood movie Raazi to welcome the Indian leader. As the performance proceeded, Prime Minister Modi also joined in by clapping along, while spectators waved Indian flags in the background.
VIDEO | A Saudi Arabia singer passionately croons 'Ae Watan' to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) in Jeddah. #pmmodiinsaudiarabia #pmmodiinsaudi pic.twitter.com/8ht7Srwl70
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 22, 2025
Prime Minister Modi’s arrival was marked by high ceremonial honours. As his aircraft entered Saudi airspace, it was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force, a rare mark of respect. Upon landing, he was also greeted with a traditional 21-gun salute, further underlining the significance the Kingdom attaches to the visit.
The PM is in Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.
During his visit, PM Modi will co-chair the second Leaders' Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council alongside the Crown Prince. The two leaders are expected to explore deeper defence cooperation and discuss expanding economic ties, which currently stand at nearly $ 43 billion.
This marks PM Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia, following trips in 2016 and 2019. Notably, all previous Indian Prime Ministers combined have made only three visits to the Kingdom over the last 70 years. He was also awarded Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour, the King Abdulaziz Sash, during his 2016 visit.
The Indian community in Jeddah is preparing a vibrant, traditional welcome, with excitement over the Prime Minister’s arrival. The trip also marks PM Modi’s 15th visit to the Gulf region since taking office in 2014, a testament to the growing strength of India’s ties with the Arab world.
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