Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, today, as part of his third state visit to the influential and wealthy Persian Gulf monarchy since he took office more than a decade ago, Agence France-Presse reported, BTA reports.
Yesterday, Modi received US Vice President JD Vance in Delhi, as India actively seeks to conclude a trade agreement with the US, in order to avoid 26 percent tariffs on its exports.
“India attaches great importance to its historic ties with Saudi Arabia, which have gained strategic depth and dynamism in recent years,“ Modi was quoted by his office as saying. "Together, we have developed a meaningful and mutually beneficial partnership," he added.
The booming Indian economy is largely dependent on crude oil imports to meet its growing energy needs. According to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude oil exporter, is India's third largest supplier.
The kingdom is home to over two million Indian workers, making them the second-largest expatriate community after Bangladeshis, according to the 2022 Saudi Arabian census. Indian workers play a vital role in the Saudi economy, especially in the implementation of mega projects under the ambitious Vision 2030 program led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. They send billions of dollars to their families in India every year.
During his two-day visit, Modi is also expected to meet members of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
AFP notes that both the Indian prime minister and the Saudi crown prince maintained close relations with US President Donald Trump during his first term. Trump is expected to visit Saudi Arabia next month, his first foreign visit since the start of his second term.