Riyadh came alive with rhythm, color, and joy as Indian Culture Week took center stage at Global Harmony 2.

The event drew thousands of visitors and families who gathered to celebrate the spirit of cultural exchange through art, music, and performance.

Organized by the Ministry of Media in collaboration with the General Entertainment Authority, the celebration highlighted the growing cultural connection between India and Saudi Arabia.

It also forms part of the Quality of Life Program under Vision 2030, which aims to promote cultural diversity, social engagement, and creative expression throughout the Kingdom.

The festival’s opening ceremony began with a special performance by students from Dunes International School in Riyadh.

Their colorful dance and musical presentation set an uplifting tone, capturing the essence of Indian traditions blended with youthful energy.

Throughout the evening, visitors enjoyed a series of dazzling shows that reflected India’s rich heritage of art, movement, and storytelling.

Traditional Indian dance troupes performed folk and classical routines, accompanied by live drumming and melodious vocals.

A circus performance added a fun twist to the night, drawing laughter and applause from children and adults alike.

The carnival parade that followed brought the park to life, with performers in ornate costumes moving to rhythmic beats.

Floats inspired by India’s diverse regions showcased the country’s varied cultural identity — from Rajasthan’s royal flair to Kerala’s colorful traditions.

A dedicated children’s area offered interactive games, creative workshops, and family-friendly performances throughout the day.

Parents joined their children in activities that encouraged imagination and teamwork, adding a joyful and communal atmosphere to the festival.

Visitors also explored stalls featuring Indian handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, and artwork, all celebrating the skill and creativity of traditional artisans.

Food stalls serving authentic Indian cuisine filled the air with the aroma of spices, drawing long lines for dishes such as biryani, samosas, and jalebi.

For many attendees, the event was an opportunity not only to experience another culture but also to celebrate shared values of friendship and harmony.

Cultural exchange programs like Indian Culture Week play an important role in strengthening ties between nations through art and community engagement.

They allow people to experience diverse traditions firsthand, fostering understanding, respect, and collaboration.

The festival’s organizers emphasized that Global Harmony 2 was designed to create a welcoming environment for all cultures to connect.

Through music, dance, and storytelling, the event encouraged visitors to appreciate diversity as a source of creativity and inspiration.

Many Saudi families expressed admiration for India’s cultural vibrancy, while Indian residents felt pride in representing their homeland abroad.

Students and young professionals volunteered at the event, helping with logistics, hosting, and translation to ensure a seamless visitor experience.

The collaboration between local and international communities reflected the Kingdom’s growing role as a global center for cultural dialogue.

Events like these align with Saudi Vision 2030’s mission to enhance cultural tourism and position Riyadh as a hub of international celebration.

The initiative demonstrates how entertainment can also serve as education — deepening knowledge of world cultures through interactive participation.

Visitors left with colorful memories, new friendships, and a renewed appreciation for the role of culture in building bridges between people.

Indian Culture Week concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that illuminated the night sky above Global Harmony 2.

As the lights reflected across the crowd, the event stood as a reminder that joy, music, and art transcend borders and bring communities together.

Riyadh’s growing portfolio of international cultural festivals continues to highlight the Kingdom’s openness and commitment to global unity through creativity and celebration.

During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing visit to Saudi Arabia, a high-level meeting took place between PM Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Crown Prince conveyed his heartfelt condolences and unwavering support to India in the aftermath of the brutal attack.

“As I said, the recent terror attacks in Kashmir were discussed and His Royal Highness Crown Prince conveyed his condolences. The leaders strongly condemned this terror attack,” said Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, during a media briefing in Jeddah.

In addition to expressing sympathy, the Crown Prince offered any necessary assistance to India, underscoring the strengthening security cooperation between the two countries as they jointly confront the menace of terrorism.

At the same time, the United Arab Emirates issued a firm statement condemning the heinous attack that targeted tourists in Pahalgam. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) declared its strong rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism, emphasizing that such acts undermine security and stability, violating international law.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of India, and to the families of the victims affected by this senseless violence. It also wished a swift recovery to those injured in the attack.

UAE’s Ambassador to India, Abdulnasser Alshaali posted, “My most sincere condolences to the victims of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. My thoughts are with the people of India. I pray for the swift and full recovery of the injured.”

The joint condemnation by Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlights the growing consensus among Gulf nations against Pakistan-backed terrorism and their firm stance in support of India’s sovereignty and security. These developments come amid broader efforts to enhance regional cooperation in counterterrorism, investment, and diplomatic ties.

PM Modi’s visit to Saudi Arabia, focusing on strengthening bilateral ties, comes at a critical time when collaboration against terrorism has become a top priority for both nations.

In a ceremonious welcome, PM Modi was greeted with a 21-gun salute upon arrival. As his plane entered Saudi airspace, it was escorted by F15 fighter jets in a special gesture of respect and camaraderie. At the airport, the Prime Minister interacted warmly with Saudi officials and dignitaries.

A heartwarming cultural moment took place when Saudi singer Hashim Abbas passionately performed the Indian patriotic song ‘Ae Watan’ in PM Modi’s honor. “When I started singing, my friends told me that one day I would sing in front of PM Modi. I didn’t believe them… I love India. It is a great country led by the great leader, PM Narendra Modi,” Abbas told PTI.

Adding to the celebratory spirit, hundreds of members of the Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia gathered to welcome the Prime Minister. They greeted him with chants of “Modi, Modi” and showcased traditional cultural performances. Sharing photos from the event on X (formerly Twitter), PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and said the visit would “strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia.”

The Prime Minister is set to co-chair the second meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council alongside Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Discussions will focus on enhancing cooperation in key sectors including defence, trade, investment, energy, and people-to-people ties.

Before departing from India, PM Modi emphasized the importance of India’s evolving relationship with Saudi Arabia. “India deeply values its long and historic ties with Saudi Arabia that have acquired strategic depth and momentum in recent years,” he said. “We have shared interest and commitment to promote regional peace, prosperity, security and stability.”

In an interview with Arab News ahead of the visit, PM Modi described Saudi Arabia as “one of India’s most valued partners — a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally.”

This high-profile visit follows King Salman’s attendance at the G20 Summit in New Delhi last September, during which he co-chaired the first meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council. Officials from both countries hope this visit will further solidify bilateral ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.

Choosing Jeddah wasn’t random—it’s a strategic signal.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day trip to Saudi Arabia in April 2025 is more than just a diplomatic formality—it’s a pivotal moment in India’s West Asia strategy. What makes it even more significant is that Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister in over 40 years to visit Jeddah, the commercial heart of Saudi Arabia and a key gateway to Islam’s holiest cities. This move is loaded with both symbolic and strategic meaning, reflecting how India is reshaping its foreign policy priorities and deepening its bond with a critical regional partner.

Modi’s earlier visits to Saudi Arabia—in 2016 and 2019—took him to Riyadh, the political capital. But this time, the focus is on Jeddah. This city isn’t just an economic hub; it’s deeply tied to the spiritual journeys of millions of Muslims, including the vast number of Indian pilgrims who pass through its port on their way to Mecca and Medina. The last time an Indian PM visited Jeddah was Indira Gandhi in 1982, so Modi’s presence there ends a 43-year gap and sends a clear message: India is engaging with Saudi Arabia not just diplomatically, but culturally and historically too.

Why Jeddah?

Choosing Jeddah wasn’t random—it’s a strategic signal. Located along the Red Sea, Jeddah is crucial to Saudi Arabia’s trade and plays a key role in the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030 economic diversification plan. By choosing to visit this city, Modi is aligning India’s long-term goals with Saudi Arabia’s, making it clear that India wants to be more than a customer for oil—it wants to be a partner in the Kingdom’s transformation.

Strategic Partnership Council: Moving from Talk to Action

A major highlight of this visit is the third meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), co-chaired by Modi and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS). Since it was launched in 2019, the SPC has helped turn friendly ties into structured cooperation, operating across two main tracks: political-security-cultural and economy-investment.

This isn’t just about reviewing progress—it’s about launching new initiatives. Key areas on the agenda include green hydrogen, supply chains for critical minerals, defence manufacturing, and digital infrastructure. Both India and Saudi Arabia are economic powerhouses in the Global South and are members of the G20. Their partnership is increasingly relevant not just for regional affairs but on the world stage.

Defence Relations: No Longer Just for Show

One of the most striking shifts in India-Saudi relations is happening in the defence sector. What used to be limited to polite visits and symbolic gestures has transformed into meaningful military cooperation.

Take 2024, for example. That’s when the two countries held their first joint land military exercise, Sada Tanseeq, in Rajasthan. That same year, they also conducted a second edition of the naval drill, Al Mohed Al Hindi. Even more notable, in February 2024, India and Saudi Arabia signed their first-ever defence contract—a $225 million deal for artillery shells, involving India’s state-run Munitions India Limited (MIL). This deal included the export of advanced 155mm towed artillery guns.

These developments fit well with the broader vision on both sides. India’s “Make in India” push complements Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which includes reducing dependency on Western arms suppliers by building up local defence industries. The partnership now extends beyond just equipment—it includes training, exchanges between military colleges, and high-level defence talks. In a region marked by tension and instability, especially around the Red Sea and Persian Gulf, this evolving defence cooperation marks India as a serious and steady strategic partner.

Energy: From Oil to Green Hydrogen

Energy is still the bedrock of India-Saudi ties, but the way both countries are approaching it is changing. While oil trade continues as a major pillar, there’s a big push toward green energy, especially green hydrogen.

During this visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on green hydrogen is expected. This makes perfect sense—Saudi Arabia has vast solar energy potential, while India brings technological expertise and policy support for renewables. Together, they can lead the charge in clean energy innovation.

This collaboration isn’t just about national interests. It also helps both nations contribute to global climate action goals and cushions them against the volatility of traditional energy markets, especially with growing geopolitical tensions affecting global supply.

The Indian Community: A Vital Human Link

One of the strongest and most human dimensions of India-Saudi relations is the Indian diaspora. About 2.7 million Indians live and work in Saudi Arabia, making it one of the largest overseas Indian communities anywhere in the world. They’re not just workers—they’re a vital part of Saudi society and contribute significantly to India through remittances.

Modi plans to visit a Jeddah factory that employs Indian workers—a gesture that goes beyond symbolism. It’s a way of recognizing the role of Indians in building Saudi Arabia’s economy and underlining India’s commitment to its citizens abroad.

But there are also tough conversations to be had. Nearly a quarter of all Indian prisoners abroad are in Saudi Arabia. Although some agreements exist for prisoner transfers, very few have actually been repatriated. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed this issue would be “high on the agenda.” Making progress here could boost Modi’s domestic image and showcase a foreign policy that values human dignity alongside strategic interests.

A Region in Flux

Modi’s visit is happening against a backdrop of regional unrest. The Israel-Palestine conflict remains unresolved and increasingly volatile. Meanwhile, Houthi attacks in the Red Sea are putting global shipping routes at risk. These developments concern both India and Saudi Arabia—not only as regional stakeholders but as key players in global trade and energy supply chains.

Both Modi and MBS have built relationships with powerful global figures—U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky among them. This ability to maintain ties across a polarized international arena gives their partnership a unique edge, especially as the Global South looks for new leadership on issues like climate finance, economic justice, and peacebuilding.

The Bigger Gulf Picture: Revisiting the FTA

Another topic expected to come up is the long-discussed India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement. The GCC—comprising Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman—is a vital trade and energy region for India. An FTA would mean lower tariffs, better access to markets, and smoother labour mobility.

Negotiating such a deal is crucial as global trade dynamics shift post-pandemic and amid ongoing global tensions. For India, it’s about diversifying economic relationships and securing its trade routes—especially through a region where millions of Indians live and work.

More Than Optics

In essence, PM Modi’s 2025 Saudi Arabia visit isn’t just another stop on the diplomatic calendar. It’s a strategic recalibration that touches nearly every major aspect of India’s global ambitions—security, energy, trade, and people-to-people ties.

It signals that India and Saudi Arabia are stepping into a more mature, multifaceted relationship. What once revolved around oil and labor is now about mutual growth, resilience, and global impact. As the world becomes more unpredictable, partnerships like this—rooted in shared goals and diversified interests—could help shape a more stable and balanced international order.