In a powerful symbol of deepening strategic and defence ties between India and Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s special aircraft was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets as it entered Saudi airspace on Tuesday. The grand aerial welcome marked the start of PM Modi’s two-day state visit to the Kingdom, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) released a video capturing the moment when the sleek F-15 jets flanked the Prime Minister’s aircraft, underlining the growing military cooperation and mutual respect between New Delhi and Riyadh.
‘Friendship Flying High’: Diplomatic Warmth on Display
Sharing the video on X (formerly Twitter), MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote: “Friendship flying high! As a special gesture for the State Visit of PM Narendra Modi, his aircraft was escorted by the Royal Saudi Air Force as it entered the Saudi airspace.”
– 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
The rare aerial salute underscores the evolving defence partnership and reflects Saudi Arabia’s increasing diplomatic outreach toward India.
PM Modi: “Saudi Arabia, A Trusted Friend and Strategic Ally”
Ahead of his arrival in Jeddah, PM Modi spoke to Arab News, hailing Saudi Arabia as “one of India’s most valued partners, a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend, and a strategic ally.”
He stressed the importance of their shared geopolitical interests, especially in the context of ensuring peace and stability in the West Asian region.
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“We consider Saudi Arabia as a force of positivity and stability in the region. As maritime neighbours, India and Saudi Arabia share a natural interest in safeguarding peace and stability,” Modi stated, highlighting the strengthening of defence and security collaboration as a clear reflection of deep mutual trust.
Strengthening Defence and Strategic Cooperation
During his two-day visit, PM Modi is set to meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss avenues for further expanding defence ties, apart from strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, energy, science, and cultural sectors.
This visit is expected to solidify frameworks for military collaboration, security coordination, and joint technological research in line with the long-term strategic partnership roadmap both nations have been charting over the past decade.
A Testament to Growing Mutual Trust
The spectacular fighter jet escort not only highlights the warmth of Saudi-Indian relations but also signals the robust strategic trust that now underpins bilateral ties.
The Prime Minister lauded the Saudi leadership for its proactive role in strengthening this partnership and thanked the Crown Prince for his hospitality, noting that this marks his third visit to the Kingdom as India’s Prime Minister — and his first-ever visit to Jeddah, the first by an Indian leader in over 40 years.
Defence, Trade, and Stability: High on the Agenda
The Modi-MBS discussions are expected to focus on advancing India-Saudi defence partnerships, enhancing maritime security cooperation, and promoting regional peace initiatives amid rising global uncertainties, particularly in the Middle East.
As both countries continue to elevate their strategic ties, today’s symbolic escort stands as a visual testament to India and Saudi Arabia’s ambitions for a secure and prosperous partnership.
