PM Modi Jeddah Visit: Saudi Singer Hashim Abbas Welcomes PM Modi to Jeddah with Soulful Rendition of ‘Ae Watan’

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – April 22, 2025

PM Modi Jeddah Visit: In a heartwarming cultural moment that underscored the deepening ties between India and Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a musical welcome in Jeddah as Saudi singer Hashim Abbas sang the patriotic Hindi song “Ae Watan Mere Aabad Rahe Tu” from the film Raazi. The moving tribute, delivered in the lobby of the hotel where PM Modi is staying during his two-day visit, struck an emotional chord with all present.

As the notes of the song echoed through the hotel, a beaming Prime Minister joined in the moment, clapping along with the cheering crowd made up of Indian expatriates and Saudi well-wishers. The performance was more than just a gesture of hospitality — it was a symbol of cultural harmony and mutual respect.

PM Modi’s arrival in Jeddah marks his third visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and his first to the historic coastal city. The visit comes at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, highlighting the growing strategic and economic partnership between the two nations.

Speaking to PTI ahead of the performance, Hashim Abbas shared his excitement and deep admiration for India and its leader. “When I had started singing, my friends used to say, ‘One day you will sing in front of PM Modi.’ I never thought that would actually happen,” Abbas said with a smile. “I love India. It is a great country, led by a great leader — PM Narendra Modi.”

The emotional performance left many members of the Indian community in the audience visibly moved. Several attendees expressed pride and joy at witnessing such a powerful expression of cross-cultural respect. “To see a Saudi artist sing in Hindi with such feeling — it made us feel at home,” said Anjali Verma, an Indian expatriate who has lived in Jeddah for over a decade.

During his stay, PM Modi is expected to hold key discussions with Saudi leaders on matters ranging from trade and investment to energy security and regional cooperation. The visit also includes community engagements, where Modi will interact with Indian nationals living in the Kingdom — a diaspora that plays a vital role in Saudi Arabia’s workforce and social fabric.

The emotional welcome set the tone for what many are calling a visit of friendship, vision, and shared future. And as the melody of “Ae Watan” fades, the bond between two nations only seems to grow stronger.