In a rare display of diplomatic bonhomie, the Royal Saudi Air Force granted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flight a ‘Royal escort’ of F-15 fighter jets as it entered Saudi airspace on its way to Jeddah. The surreal gesture was announced in a video message by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which is a living example of national defence relations emerging under a deeply strategic alliance.
🇮🇳-🇸🇦 friendship flying high!
As a special gesture for the State Visit of PM @narendramodi, his aircraft was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force as it entered the Saudi airspace. pic.twitter.com/ad8F9XGmDL
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 22, 2025
Notably, PM Modi is on a two-day official visit to Saudi Arabia at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
After the Indian Prime Minister landed in Jeddah, he received a grand welcome with a 21-gun salute.
During his Saudi visit, PM Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will co-chair the 2nd Leaders’ Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.
Saudi Arabia, one of the largest operators of Boeing-made defence platforms in the Middle East, currently maintains 207 F-15SA and 62 F-15 Eagle fighter jets in its Royal Air Force fleet. The Royal escort to PM Modi’s flight is being viewed as a sign of growing trust and defence collaboration between the two countries.
Before his departure, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the importance of India-Saudi relations, stating, “India values our historic ties with Saudi Arabia. Bilateral relations have gained strong momentum in the past decade.”
Leaving for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where I will be attending various meetings and programmes. India values our historic relations with Saudi Arabia. Bilateral ties have gained significant momentum in the last decade. I look forward to participating in the 2nd Meeting of the…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 22, 2025
He expressed optimism about the future of the partnership across sectors like defence, trade, energy, investment, and people-to-people connections.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the PM said, “Leaving for Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where I will be attending various meetings and programmes… I look forward to interacting with the Indian community there.”
In an interview with Arab News, PM Modi described Saudi Arabia as one of India’s “most valued partners” and a “trusted friend and ally.”
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He added, “India and Saudi Arabia will keep moving forward together – for peace, progress, and prosperity, not just for our people, but for the entire world.”