Tue Apr 22 03:03:01 UTC 2025: **India and Saudi Arabia to Sign Multiple MoUs During PM Modi’s Historic Jeddah Visit**
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (April 22, 2025) – Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Jeddah today for a landmark visit, his first to the city in 40 years. The visit is expected to yield at least six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) covering space, energy, health, science and scientific research, culture, and advanced technology. Further agreements in trade, investment, and defense are also under negotiation.
The two nations will co-chair the second meeting of their Strategic Partnership Council, strengthening ties established in 2019. Discussions will also include India’s Hajj quota for Indian pilgrims, which has increased significantly since 2014 to 175,025 this year. However, logistical issues with Combined Hajj Group Operators may prevent around 42,000 Indians from participating in the pilgrimage this year.
Indian Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan highlighted Jeddah’s historical significance as a trade gateway between India and Saudi Arabia, and its crucial role in facilitating the Hajj pilgrimage. The visit underscores the growing strategic partnership between the two countries. PM Modi will also visit a factory employing Indian workers during his trip.
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