Modi Makes History in Saudi Arabia — Bold Diplomacy or Risky Gamble
Modi Makes History
Modi Makes History : In over 40 years, Modi is the first Indian prime leader to visit this well-known Saudi metropolis. All his previous visits have been to Riyadh, the Kingdom’s capital.
Starting Wednesday, April 22, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be in Saudi Arabia for two days. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi prime minister, extended an invitation to Modi to visit the Kingdom.
According to a statement released last week by the Ministry of External Affairs, Modi will meet Prince Salman during the trip “to further deepen and strengthen” ties between the two countries.
The high-profile visit highlights how India-Saudi relations have evolved from humble beginnings to a comprehensive strategic relationship that encompasses cultural, defense, and economic aspects.
High-profile Visit :
The visit coincides with increased diplomatic activity between the two countries. India visited Saudi Arabia eleven times last year at the ministerial level.
It is vital for the global order that Modi visits Saudi Arabia. Conflicts exacerbated by economic difficulties are plaguing the world, and West Asia in particular.(Modi Makes History)
The visit coincides with the US administration’s tariffs under Donald Trump, which have compelled nations to fortify their trade ties with allies in order to access alternative markets.
The world’s two fastest-growing economies are Saudi Arabia and India. As members of the G20 and the Global South, the two nations have the ability to affect the global order. US President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are all friendly with Prime Minister Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Salman.
The New First by PM Modi –
In almost forty years, Modi is the first Indian prime leader to visit Jeddah. The Saudi capital, Riyadh, has been the destination of all of his prior trips.
The final Indian prime minister to visit Jeddah was Indira Gandhi in 1982.
Modi and Mohammed bin Salman, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, will preside over the Strategic Partnership Council meeting in Jeddah, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Suhel Ajaz Khan informed news agency ANI. During Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s 2019 visit to India, the Council was formed.
The commercial center, Jeddah, is the second-biggest city in Saudi Arabia after Riyadh and is situated in the Hejaz region along the Red Sea coast. As the entry point to Mecca and Medina, the two holiest places in Islam and the locations of the yearly Hajj pilgrimage, Jeddah is also important.
“The significance of the connectivity between India and Saudi Arabia because for centuries, Jeddah has been the port for our pilgrims who come for Umrah and Hajj to come to Saudi Arabia,” Khan stated.
Conflict between Israel and Palestine – Modi Makes History
Modi’s trip to India will offer a significant chance to talk about crucial regional and international concerns. At a special press briefing last week, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri listed them as the Israel-Palestine conflict, the West Asian crisis, and the dangers posed by Houthi attacks to marine security.
It is anticipated that Saudi Arabia and India will strengthen their defense collaboration and broaden their economic relations. According to Misri, the two nations’ bilateral trade is currently worth over USD 43 billion.
According to him, PM Modi’s visit is regarded as a major step in fortifying India’s relations with the Gulf and Islamic world as a whole, not just Saudi Arabia.
Modi will go to a Jeddah factory:
Modi is expected to tour a Jeddah firm that employs Indian laborers. During his stay there, he would engage with them. (Modi Makes History)
With 2.7 million Indians living and working there, Saudi Arabia is India’s fifth-largest trading partner.
Additionally, Modi’s trip to Saudi Arabia coincides with protests against his government in India over modifications to the Waqf Laws, which have been in place for decades and regulate Muslim-owned lands granted for charitable and religious reasons.
I have been greatly impacted by MBS: Modi
Modi praised Saudi Crown Prince Salman with adulation, claiming that he had a profound effect on him. Modi also praised Saudi Arabia as one of India’s most important allies and friends, saying that their relationship has “limitless potential” and that the current era is bright for it.
“His Royal Highness has made a lasting effect on me each time I have met him. In an interview with Arab News prior to his two-day visit, Modi said, “His insights, his forward-thinking vision, and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable.”
(Modi Makes History)
Saudi Arabia has experienced significant social and economic change under his direction, according to Modi. “The world has taken notice of the reforms he has implemented, in addition to inspiring the region. Under Vision 2030, one can witness the nation’s revolutionary transformations in a relatively short amount of time,” he stated in the interview.
