PM cuts short Saudi visit after J&K attack, to chair CCS meet
Prime Minister Narendra Modi cut short his visit to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday following the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir. He will chair a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) upon his return after reviewing the ground situation.
Top sources said PM Modi skipped the official dinner hosted by Saudi Arabia in light of the attack. Originally scheduled to return on Wednesday night, the PM will now depart for India tonight and arrive early Wednesday morning, they said.
Earlier on Tuesday morning, PM Modi got a rousing welcome upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia. The visit was strategically significant considering the PM's several crucial agreements lined up with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Both leaders were expected to sign several key pacts.
Even before the PM landed at the Jeddah International Airport in Saudi Arabia, his aircraft — Air India One — was escorted by several Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets in a symbolic gesture of respect accorded to only the closest strategic allies. The Royal Saudi Air Force’s gesture also highlights the ever-deepening defence cooperation between the two countries.
Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was given a 21-gun salute as members of the Indian community sang “Saare Jahan Se Achha”. During a reception for the Prime Minister in Jeddah, Saudi singer Hashim Abbas sang a famous song, “Ae Watan…”
Referring to the Saudi Crown Prince as “my brother”, PM Modi, who is the first Indian PM in more than 40 years to visit Jeddah, said, “Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.”
Earlier, in an interview with Arab News, PM Modi called Saudi Arabia “a trusted friend, strategic ally and one of India's most valued partners”. He said the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) could be the “new Silk Route” of the 21st century that had the potential of benefiting generations to come. He said both India and Saudi Arabia would have a key role to play in making the corridor a success.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemned the terrorist attack. It affirmed that the UAE “expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law”.
The ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and the families of the victims of this heinous attack, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.
