PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday embarked on a two-day visit to Saudi Arabia and said India deeply values its long and historic ties with the Middle East nation that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years.

Before commencing his visit to Saudi Arabia, Modi said: "Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial and substantive partnership including in the domains of defence, trade, investment, energy and people to people ties. We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability."

"This will be my third visit to Saudi Arabia over the past decade and a first one to the historic city of Jeddah. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council and build upon the highly successful State visit of my brother His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman to India in 2023," he said.

Modi said he is eager to meet the Indian community in the country.

Modi said: "I am also eager to connect with the vibrant Indian community in Saudi Arabia that continues to serve as the living bridge between our nations and making immense contribution to strengthening the cultural and human ties."

Modi is visiting the country from April 22 to April 23 at the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

India-Saudi Arabia Bond

India and Saudi Arabia share close and friendly ties with a long history of socio-cultural and trade contacts.

As strategic partners, the two countries share strong bilateral relations across various areas including political, defence, security, trade, investment, energy, technology, health, education, culture and people-to-people ties.

India’s relations with the Kingdom have evolved into a stronger and enduring partnership in the past decade, expanding into many strategic domains, with growing investment commitments, broadening of defence cooperation and intensive high-level exchanges across sectors.

The visit of Modi reflects the importance India attaches to its bilateral relationship with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

"It will provide an opportunity to further deepen and strengthen our multi-faceted partnership, as well as to exchange views on various regional and international issues of mutual interest," read a statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Diplomatic relations between the two nations was established in 1947.