'Ae Watan...' resonates in Saudi Arabia as PM arrives in Jeddah

PM Modi appreciated the performance of the patriotic song "Ae Watan" from the Bollywood blockbuster movie 'Raazi,' which was sung by the members of the Indian community.

The room turned electric and erupted with a fervour of patriotism washing over as the Indian community as the members sang along, and the Prime Minister Modi also clapped to the performance.

He also saw several dance performances, including Kathak, and interacted with the dancers.

Shaking hands with people and waving to them, the PM interacted with the vibrant Indian community in Jeddah.

Indian flags were proudly waved by the community members, who turned out in large numbers to greet their Prime Minister.

Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a ceremonial 21-gun salute and was received by the top brass. In a special gesture of honour, PM Modi's aircraft was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force fighter jets as it entered Saudi airspace.

The Prime Minister is on an official visit to the Kingdom at the invitation of the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman.

PM Narendra Modi, along with Crown Prince and the PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will co-chair the second Leaders' Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council during his visit to the country.

Since 2014, PM Modi has transformed the trajectory of India's relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries.

This will be PM Modi's third visit to the country, following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019.

All other Prime Ministers before him had visited Saudi Arabia a total of three times in the previous seven decades.

This also marks his 15th visit to a country in the Gulf region.

In an interview with Arab News ahead of his visit to the Kingdom, PM Modi had praised the "limitless potential" of India's growing ties with Saudi Arabia. "In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability." He praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman's leadership, calling him "a strong advocate of our bilateral ties" and a visionary who has inspired global admiration through the reforms under Vision 2030.

Speaking about the 2.7 million strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia, PM Modi told Arab News that he is grateful to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, "for the patronage they have provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia".

PM Modi had also underscored, "For my government, the members of the Indian diaspora are the "rashtradoots" (national ambassadors). The 4Cs -- Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute -- is the motto of our engagement with our diaspora. Their safety, welfare and well-being is paramount for us."