Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], April 23 (ANI): India appreciated the Saudi Arabian side for continuing their welfare programmes for almost 3 million nationals living in the region.

The Indian side said the act showed strong people-to-people bonds between both the nations and goodwill.

'The Indian side expressed its appreciation to the Saudi side for the continuing welfare of around 2.7 million Indian nationals residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the strong people- to-people bonds and immense goodwill that exists between the two nations,' a statement by the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The statement added that India congratulated Saudi Arabia for successfully holding the Haj pilgrimage in 2024.

'The Indian side also congratulated Saudi Arabia for successfully holding the Haj pilgrimage in 2024 and expressed its appreciation for the excellent coordination between the two countries in facilitating Indian Haj and Umrah pilgrims,' as per the statement.

At the invitation of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on April 22, 2025.

This was Prime Minister Modi's third visit to Saudi Arabia. It followed the historic State Visit of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's visit to India in September 2023 to participate in the G-20 Summit and co-chair the first meeting of the India- Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council.

Mohammed bin Salman received Prime Minister Modi at Al-Salam Palace, Jeddah.

They held official talks, during which they recalled the strong bonds of historically close friendship between the Republic of India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. India and Saudi Arabia enjoy a strong relationship and close people-to-people ties marked by trust and goodwill.

The two sides noted that the solid foundation of the bilateral relationship between the two nations has further strengthened through the strategic partnership covering diverse areas including defense, security, energy, trade, investment, technology, agriculture, culture, health, education, and people-to-people ties. Both sides also exchanged views on current regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated Mohammed bin Salman for Saudi Arabia's successful bids for World Expo 2030 and FIFA World Cup 2034. (ANI)