A wave of patriotic enthusiasm swept through the Indian community in Jeddah as members of the diaspora gathered to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day State visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from April 22-23. As they awaited his arrival, the crowd broke into a soulful rendition of ‘Saare Jahan Se Achha’, expressing pride and excitement over the Prime Minister’s visit.

Many attendees described the moment as deeply emotional and historic. “I am very excited to see PM Modi here. We are so grateful that we got this opportunity,” said one jubilant member of the Indian community. Another echoed the sentiment, adding, “We thank the Crown Prince for inviting PM Modi. Seeing all the vibrant colours and the positive energy around us, we are all very excited.”

The warmth was palpable as several attendees likened the Prime Minister’s arrival to that of a family member. “We are proud to be Indian in Saudi Arabia. It feels as if a member of our family is visiting us,” said another participant in the gathering.

In a special diplomatic gesture, PM Modi’s aircraft was escorted by F-15 fighter jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force upon entering Saudi airspace—a mark of high honour reflecting the deepening strategic ties between the two nations.

This visit marks PM Modi’s third to the Kingdom, and his first to Jeddah. He is visiting Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the visit, the two leaders will co-chair the 2nd Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.

Since taking office in 2014, PM Modi has redefined India’s engagement with the Gulf region, strengthening bilateral ties through diplomacy, economic cooperation, and people-to-people engagement.

(With ANI inputs)