In a significant diplomatic outreach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, with key outcomes expected in bilateral cooperation and a possible breakthrough in the Haj quota for Indian pilgrims.

Modi is visiting the kingdom at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. His arrival in Jeddah marks a historic moment—it is the first time in four decades that an Indian Prime Minister is visiting the city. During his trip, PM Modi and the Crown Prince will jointly chair the 2nd meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, a platform that has given fresh momentum to ties since its establishment during Modi’s 2019 visit.

"This will be my third visit to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and a first one to the historic city of Jeddah," said PM Modi in a post on X. “India values our historic relations with Saudi Arabia. Bilateral ties have gained significant momentum in the last decade. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and build upon the highly successful State visit of my brother His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023,” he added.

During his visit, at least six MoUs are expected to be signed across crucial sectors such as space, energy, health, culture, science and research, and advanced technology. Officials were engaged in last-minute negotiations on Monday night to finalise more agreements, particularly in trade, investment, and defence.

According to sources, a positive announcement on India’s Haj quota could be imminent, with both sides working towards a resolution that reflects the warmth of bilateral ties and accommodates the religious sentiments of Indian Muslims.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia shared updates on strategic investment dialogues. “India-Saudi High Level Task Force on Investments held its meeting in Riyadh on April 21. The meeting co-chaired by Dr. P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to Hon’ble PM & HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister @MoEnergy_Saudi, discussed wide-ranging issues of mutual importance,” the embassy said in a post on X.

Modi, who was conferred Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian honour in 2016, is also scheduled to visit a factory employing Indian workers on Wednesday, in a gesture aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties between the two nations.