Jeddah [Saudi Arabia], April 22 (ANI): As Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for Saudi Arabia on a two-day official visit from April 21 to 22, members of the Indian diaspora in Jeddah are excited to interact with him. The members of the diaspora called it a 'big day' and took pride in Prime Minister Modi's visit.

PM Modi is visiting Saudi Arabia at the invitation of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. This is PM Modi's third visit to the country, following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019.

The Indian community in Jeddah is buzzing with excitement as preparations are underway to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to the city. The community is gearing up for a traditional and vibrant welcome for the Prime Minister.

A Troupe of dancers was observed performing Kathak in preparation for PM Modi's visit.

Speaking to ANI, Pushpa Suresh, a member of the Good Hope Arts Academy, expressed her excitement, saying, 'It is a big day for us as our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi ji, is coming here.'

'Jeddah is called a sacred city as it is close to Mecca. We will welcome the PM with a glimpse of a traditional dance,' she added.

Highlighting the support from the Indian embassy, she affirmed, 'Good Hope Arts Academy is the first government-registered arts academy in Saudi Arabia. We got full support from the Indian embassy here. Many Indian children and those from other countries want to learn Indian dance forms. I have been teaching dance in Jeddah for the last 35 years.'

Further, Samriti, another member of the Indian diaspora, who will be a part of the dance troupe welcoming Prime Minister Modi, expressed her excitement, saying, 'We are really excited.'

The Indian community is preparing for cultural performances ahead of Prime Minister Modi's visit.

As part of the visit, PM Modi is expected to visit a factory where Indian workers are employed. He will interact with them during his time there.

During a special press briefing on Saturday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that the visit will provide an important opportunity to discuss key regional and global issues. These include the situation in West Asia, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and threats to maritime security due to Houthi attacks.

Misri also highlighted that India and Saudi Arabia are likely to strengthen their defence cooperation and expand their economic ties.(ANI)