During their meeting in Jeddah, Sheikh Al-Issa and PM Modi discussed interfaith harmony, counter-extremism efforts, and the proposal for a Diversity and Harmony Summit in India
Jeddah, April 23:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Muslim World League Secretary General Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa in Jeddah on Tuesday, where the two leaders discussed shared concerns including global extremism, interfaith unity, and the recent terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which Sheikh Al-Issa strongly condemned as “ghastly.”
Al-Issa expressed deep condolences for the innocent lives lost, reaffirming the Muslim World League’s firm stand against terrorism, extremism, and violence. The meeting took place during PM Modi’s brief but high-level State Visit to Saudi Arabia, which he cut short in the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack.
In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said:
“The Prime Minister appreciated the role of the Muslim World League in promoting tolerant values, advocating moderation and advancing social cohesion and harmony. He commended the firm stand of the League against extremism, terrorism and violence.”
PM Modi also recalled his previous meeting with Sheikh Al-Issa in New Delhi in July 2023, emphasizing India’s civilizational commitment to diversity and its inclusive philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The World is One Family).
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and other senior officials were present during the discussion.
Sheikh Al-Issa later took to X to share details of the meeting, posting:
“Today, in Jeddah, I met with the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi. The meeting discussed topics of common interest, and we also discussed the idea of holding a Diversity and Harmony Summit in India.”
The summit aims to promote interfaith dialogue, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, further strengthening India’s position as a global example of multicultural harmony.
In light of the Pahalgam attack, PM Modi abruptly ended his Saudi visit, skipping the official dinner hosted by the Kingdom and flying back to India earlier than scheduled.
“PM @narendramodi concludes his State Visit to Saudi Arabia and has emplaned for India,” said MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal in a post on X.
The Prime Minister was originally scheduled to return late Wednesday but arrived early due to the attack, which killed and injured several civilians and tourists in Jammu & Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Earlier in Jeddah, PM Modi was received with a ceremonial welcome by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Royal Palace. Both leaders co-chaired the second India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council (SPC), reviewing progress on energy, defence, infrastructure, and investment cooperation.
PM Modi also invited the Crown Prince to visit India for the next meeting of the SPC.
The visit, though shortened, reaffirmed India’s expanding diplomatic and counterterrorism cooperation with key global stakeholders while reinforcing the nation’s stance on zero tolerance for terrorism.
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