PM Modi’s Saudi Arabia visit: Focus on Palestine conflict, maritime security, trade partnership, more on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia from April 22 to 23, where he will engage in discussions on pressing regional and global developments. High on the agenda are the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, maritime security threats posed by Houthi attacks, and broader issues impacting West Asia.

This will be PM Modi’s third visit to the Kingdom across his three terms. During his 2016 visit, he was honored with Saudi Arabia’s highest civilian award, the King Abdulaziz Sash. Ahead of the visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri described it as a “very important opportunity” for both nations to align on key matters of mutual concern, including regional peace and economic collaboration.

A crucial meeting is scheduled with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions will span maritime security, energy cooperation, and the $43 billion bilateral trade relationship. India is Saudi Arabia’s second-largest trading partner, while the Kingdom is India’s third-largest source for crude oil and LPG.

PM Modi will also attend the second summit of the Strategic Partnership Council, which includes committees on security, culture, trade, and investment. He will visit a factory employing Indian workers and interact with members of the 2.7 million-strong Indian community residing in the Kingdom.