JEDDAH: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia ahead of schedule, returning to India late Tuesday night, following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. Originally slated to depart on Wednesday night, PM Modi’s early return followed crucial meetings with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS). He also opted to forgo the official dinner hosted by the Crown Prince.
Despite the somber backdrop, the leaders engaged in productive discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors, including energy, trade, investment, and defense. India has been actively pursuing closer collaboration with Riyadh in combating terrorism and terror-financing.
The Pahalgam terror attack, which targeted tourists, cast a somber tone over the meetings. Discussions between PM Modi and MbS commenced with a strong condemnation of the attack, with both leaders expressing solidarity with the victims. The attack, occurring while PM Modi was in Saudi Arabia and US Vice-President J.D. Vance was in India, drew parallels to the 2020 Chittisinghpura massacre, highlighting the potential for such incidents to garner international attention.
Prior to the meetings, PM Modi emphasized the strategic importance of the India-Saudi Arabia relationship. “Saudi Arabia is one of India’s most valued partners, a trusted friend, and a strategic ally,” he stated in an interview with Arab News. “Our partnership has limitless potential. In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability.”
PM Modi praised Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as “a strong advocate of our bilateral ties” and a visionary leader, commending his reform efforts under Vision 2030. “Every time I have met him; His Royal Highness has left a deep impression on me. His insights, his forward-thinking vision, and his passion for fulfilling the aspirations of his people are truly remarkable,” he said.
In his departure statement, PM Modi reiterated the significance of the long-standing and deepening ties between India and Saudi Arabia. “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” he said. “Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership, including in the domains of defense, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security, and stability.”
Both India and Saudi Arabia reiterated their stance against terrorism, emphasizing that it poses a grave threat to humanity and that there can be no justification for any act of terror. Notably, India has not officially attributed the Pahalgam attack to any specific entity.
The meetings also highlighted the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as influential members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and their support in addressing India’s concerns regarding Pakistan’s Kashmir agenda within the organization.
