PM Modi to Connect with Indian Workers in Saudi Arabia

Synopsis
PM Modi's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia includes a factory visit in Jeddah where he will engage with over 2.7 million Indian workers, emphasizing their contributions to the kingdom's economy.
Key Takeaways
- PM Modi will engage with Indian workers in Jeddah.
- Saudi Arabia hosts around 2.7 million Indians.
- Indian workers are recognized for their economic contributions.
- Previous visits include a labor camp in Kuwait.
- Government initiatives support Indian workers abroad.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit a factory in Jeddah and engage with Indian workers during his upcoming trip to Saudi Arabia next week, according to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who addressed the media in a briefing ahead of the visit scheduled for April 22-23.
"Saudi Arabia is home to the second-largest Indian expatriate community globally, with approximately 2.7 million Indians living and working in the kingdom. It is immensely gratifying that the Indian community is highly esteemed for its substantial contributions to the nation's life and economic progress," stated Misri.
This factory visit underscores the importance that PM Modi places on the welfare of Indian workers overseas.
In December, PM Modi visited a labor camp in the Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait, where around 1500 Indian nationals were employed.
This marked the first event of his Kuwait visit, where he engaged with a diverse group of Indian workers from various Indian states and inquired about their wellbeing during a memorable interaction.
In recent years, the Indian government has launched numerous technology-driven initiatives for the welfare of Indian workers abroad, including the E-Migrate portal, MADAD portal, and the upgraded Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana.
During the inauguration of the 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas convention in January, PM Modi highlighted his view of the Indian diaspora as ambassadors of India.
Expressing his happiness in meeting and conversing with fellow Indians worldwide, he remarked that the love and blessings from them are unforgettable and remain with him.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Indian diaspora for the pride they bring him on the global stage.
PM Modi pointed out that over the past decade, he has met numerous global leaders who have praised the Indian diaspora for their social values and contributions to their respective societies.
"India is not only the mother of democracy, but democracy is an essential aspect of Indian life," the Prime Minister stated, emphasizing that Indians naturally embrace diversity and integrate seamlessly into the societies they join, respecting local customs and traditions.
Additionally, Foreign Secretary Misri expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their ongoing support, noting that the kingdom plays a crucial role in facilitating the annual pilgrimage of thousands of Indian citizens for Haj and Umrah.
The annual Haj pilgrimage and Umrah form a vital part of India-Saudi bilateral relations, with India's Haj quota set at 175,025 pilgrims.
On the diaspora front, the Indian community in Saudi Arabia comprises 2.7 million individuals and serves as a living bridge between the two nations. The contributions of the Indian diaspora to the economic development of Saudi Arabia are widely acknowledged. The number of Indians in Saudi Arabia continues to grow steadily, with approximately 100,000 Indians arriving in the past year for employment.