PM Modi to visit Saudi Arabia for two days; will address hajj quota, trade

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Saudi Arabia on April 22-23 to boost diplomatic ties. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated the meeting will focus on defense, energy, and trade cooperation. This marks Modi’s third visit to Saudi Arabia and his first in four years. He will meet Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, with both leaders attending the Strategic Partnership Council meeting.

Defence collaboration between the two countries is advancing steadily. Additional agreements are expected to be signed during the visit. Saudi Arabia is India’s second-largest trading partner, and discussions will cover trade and investment opportunities. The leaders will also review the Gaza situation and progress on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor. Modi plans to visit a factory employing Indian workers.

India’s Hajj quota for this year is 1,75,000 pilgrims. Of these, 1,22,000 under the government quota have been processed. Private operators initially allocated 52,000 slots, which was faced with cancellation due to incomplete procedures. After negotiations, Saudi Arabia permitted 10,000 additional pilgrims, with another 10,000 under discussion. The Foreign Secretary confirmed Hajj-related talks will occur during Modi’s visit.