F-15 jet escort, 21-gun salute: PM Modi receives royal welcome in Jeddah | WATCH

Jeddah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was given a grand ceremonial welcome upon arriving in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia.

In a rare and symbolic gesture, the Royal Saudi Air Force deployed F-15 fighter jets to escort the Prime Minister’s aircraft as it entered Saudi airspace. Upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport, Modi was greeted with a 21-gun salute and the playing of the patriotic Hindi song 'Ae Watan,' enhancing the ceremonial atmosphere.

“This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow,” Modi wrote on X.

Modi was welcomed at the airport by several high-ranking dignitaries, including Makkah Province Deputy Governor Prince Saud bin Mishaal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of Commerce Dr Majid bin Abdullah Al Qasabi, Jeddah Mayor Saleh Ali Al Turki, and Makkah Region Police Director Major General Saleh bin Awadh Al-Jabri. Also present were Charge d’Affaires of the Saudi Embassy in India Ahmad Al-Ahmari, Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr Suhel Ajaz Khan, and Royal Protocol Director for Makkah Region Ahmed Abdullah bin Dhafer.

Modi’s visit comes at the invitation of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. During the trip, the two leaders will co-chair the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council — an initiative established in 2019 during Modi’s previous visit to Riyadh to bolster bilateral cooperation.

While Modi has visited Saudi Arabia thrice before, this is his first time in Jeddah, the kingdom’s commercial hub. The visit is also historically significant as it marks the first time in 43 years that an Indian Prime Minister has visited Jeddah. The last such visit was by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in April 1982.