National Times Bureau, April 22, 2025: On Tuesday, a rare and notable gesture of military camaraderie unfolded as Saudi Arabian F-15 fighter jets escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s aircraft into Saudi airspace, as he embarked on his state visit to Jeddah. This high-level escort reflects the growing strategic partnership between India and Saudi Arabia, especially in defense cooperation.
The Ministry of External Affairs released a video that captured this significant moment, showcasing the strength of India-Saudi Arabia ties. This act of escorting the aircraft underlines the countries’ shared interests in enhancing mutual security and defense collaboration.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit, which marks his third trip to Saudi Arabia, carries immense significance as it explores avenues for deepening bilateral relations across defense, trade, and cultural exchanges. Upon arrival, PM Modi was given a ceremonial 21-gun salute, further demonstrating the hospitality and the strengthening of India’s ties with the Kingdom.
The display of Saudi jets further symbolizes the advancement of India-Saudi relations, illustrating how strategic and defense cooperation has become central to their partnership. The rare aerial escort serves as a clear statement of the growing alignment between the two nations in various spheres, most notably in defense and security.
