Latest news with #AeWatan
Time of India
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Jay Shah in the stands with family during high-voltage IPL 2025 final
NEW DELHI: ICC Chairman was among the high-profile attendees at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Shah was joined by his wife, daughter, and mother to witness the much-anticipated title clash. Ahead of the blockbuster finale, the Board of Control for Cricket in India ( ) hosted a special ceremony to honour the . The event featured a patriotic musical performance headlined by renowned singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, alongside his sons Siddharth and Shivam. Songs like 'Ae Watan', 'Vande Mataram', and 'Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani' echoed through the stadium, stirring the crowd. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! The tribute came in the backdrop of Operation Sindoor, India's military retaliation against terror camps in Pakistan following the deadly Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives. Adding to the emotional scenes, helicopters bearing the flags of the Army, Navy, and Air Force flew over the stadium as a massive crowd roared with applause. Chants of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' filled the air as fans stood to acknowledge the nation's armed forces. IPL 2025 Final | Rishi Sunak Interview: 'I am a big Virat Kohli fan... RCB is my team' The IPL 2025 season had earlier been paused for a week due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan. Following a ceasefire agreement between the two nations, the tournament resumed with a revised schedule, pushing the final from its original May 26 date to June 3. Since resumption, the BCCI has consistently shown solidarity with the armed forces. The national anthem has been played before every match, and giant screens in the stadiums have prominently displayed 'Thank You, Armed Forces' messages. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The summit clash sees both RCB and PBKS hunting for their maiden IPL crown. Bengaluru booked their spot in the final with a dominant win over Punjab in Qualifier 1, while the Shreyas Iyer-led PBKS bounced back to beat five-time champions Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2. With the trophy on the line, one team will finally end its long-standing wait for IPL glory.
Arab News
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia, India agree to cooperate in several fields, including defense industries
How Modi's landmark visit to Jeddah added 'further momentum' to historic Saudi-India ties JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets ahead of his touchdown in Jeddah on Tuesday, where he was greeted by a 21-gun salute in a ceremonial welcome that highlighted the growing defense ties between the two countries. The visit marked Modi's first to the Red Sea port city and the first by an Indian premier in more than 40 years. It was also his third visit to Saudi Arabia in a decade, highlighting deepening diplomatic, economic, and military cooperation between Riyadh and New Delhi. 'This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,' Modi posted on the social media platform X ahead of his arrival, expressing his eagerness to advance bilateral agreements and programs. Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, wrote on X that the visit would 'give further momentum' to 'longstanding and historic ties' between Saudi Arabia and India. Referring to the Royal Saudi Air Force escort, Jaiswal posted: 'India-Saudi Arabia friendship flying high!' Modi was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 fighter jets ahead of his touchdown in Jeddah on Tuesday. (Social Media) Modi's arrival was met with vibrant celebrations among the Indian diaspora — the Kingdom's largest expatriate group. Traditional dances were performed in his honor, and Saudi singer Hashim Abbas paid tribute by singing the Hindi patriotic anthem 'Ae Watan.' Members of the Indian diaspora gathered at a hotel in Jeddah and sang 'Saare Jahan Se Achha' as they awaited Modi's arrival. One of the members of the Indian diaspora told ANI: 'I am very excited to see PM Modi here. We are so grateful that we got this opportunity.' A key part of the visit was the second meeting of the India-Saudi Strategic Partnership Council, co-chaired by Modi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Established in 2019, the SPC has become a vital platform for cooperation in politics, security, trade and culture. Modi's arrival was met with vibrant celebrations among the Indian diaspora. Traditional dances were performed in his honor, and Saudi singer Hashim Abbas paid tribute by singing the Hindi patriotic anthem 'Ae Watan.' (Supplied) In an interview ahead of the visit with Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News, Modi emphasized that the bond between India and Saudi Arabia 'is not new.' Rather, 'it is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries. 'From ideas to trade, there has been a constant flow between our two great nations,' he said. 'Our relations have been on an upward trajectory since 2014.' One of the most significant areas of growing cooperation has been defense. In recent years, India and Saudi Arabia have held joint military exercises, finalized India's first artillery shell exports to the Kingdom and signed advanced weapons systems deals. Officials said this week's discussions would include expanding naval exercises and strengthening security partnerships — particularly in maritime and cybersecurity domains. 'This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia,' Modi posted on the social media platform X ahead of his arrival, expressing his eagerness to advance bilateral agreements and programs. (SPA) The visit came at a time when both countries are pursuing bold domestic agendas. As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and India rises as a global economic force, the leaders are keen to transform longstanding cultural and economic ties into a comprehensive 21st-century partnership. 'There is much to celebrate in the remarkable transformation of bilateral ties,' journalist and foreign policy analyst C. Raja Mohan said in a recent op-ed for The Indian Express. 'The PM's visit to Jeddah is not only about expanding bilateral relations; it also reflects Saudi Arabia's emergence as a significant geopolitical actor under its crown prince and prime minister, Mohammed bin Salman.' He added: '(Riyadh's) interest-driven, rather than ideologically rigid, approach marks a fundamental shift in the evolution of the Saudi Kingdom — one that echoes the pragmatism of India's own Middle East policy under Modi.' As Saudi Arabia advances its Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy and India rises as a global economic force, the leaders are keen to transform longstanding cultural and economic ties into a comprehensive 21st-century partnership. (SPA) Bilateral trade has continued to grow despite global economic turbulence, with energy, agriculture and fertilizers remaining key pillars. Both sides are now eying new areas of cooperation, including green hydrogen, emerging technologies and infrastructure. Indeed, trade between the two countries surged to $52 billion in 2023-24, and officials said several memorandums of understanding would be signed during the visit to bolster both economic and political collaboration. India's economy is seen as being relatively less vulnerable to global headwinds, and calibrated policy support could help the country turn current volatility into an opportunity, the Reserve Bank of India said in its April bulletin released on Tuesday. 'Although the dampening global economic outlook could impact India's economic growth through weaker external demand, the domestic growth engines ... consumption and investment, are relatively less susceptible to external headwinds,' the RBI said in its article, titled 'State of the Economy.' Saudi Arabia has long been a key energy supplier to India, with the Kingdom ranked as the country's third largest source of petroleum, according to India's Ministry of External Affairs. As one of the world's fastest-growing economies, India relies heavily on crude and refined oil imports to meet its expanding energy demands. In an interview ahead of the visit with Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief of Arab News, Modi emphasized that the bond between India and Saudi Arabia 'is not new.' Rather, 'it is rooted in civilizational exchanges that go back to centuries. (SPA) That partnership is also evolving in response to global energy transitions, as both countries recognize the urgency of moving toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy. India announced its aim of achieving 500 GW renewable energy by 2030 at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, outlining its intention to meet half of its energy requirements from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030. The target marked a significant step beyond the country's earlier Paris Agreement commitments and highlighted its growing role in global climate leadership. Modi's itinerary had included a visit to a facility employing Indian workers and a meeting with members of the Indian community. Saudi Arabia is home to 2.7 million Indian residents and workers. The Indian leader, who in 2016 was awarded the King Abdulaziz Sash, Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honor, has made Gulf partnerships a cornerstone of his foreign policy. Analysts said the visit reflected India's broader strategy to cement alliances across West Asia, a region vital to its energy security and home to more than 9 million Indian expatriates.
Times of Oman
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian diaspora welcomes PM Narendra Modi in Jeddah
Jeddah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day State visit to Saudi Arabia.. Upon his arrival in the country, he interacted jovially with the members of the Indian community. PM Modi appreciated the performance of the patriotic song "Ae Watan" from the Bollywood blockbuster movie 'Raazi,' which was sung by the members of the Indian community. The room turned electric and erupted with a fervour of patriotism washing over as the Indian community as the members sang along, and the Prime Minister Modi also clapped to the performance. He also saw several dance performances, including Kathak, and interacted with the dancers. Shaking hands with people and waving to them, the PM interacted with the vibrant Indian community in Jeddah. Indian flags were proudly waved by the community members, who turned out in large numbers to greet their Prime Minister. Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a ceremonial 21-gun salute and was received by the top brass. In a special gesture of honour, PM Modi's aircraft was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force fighter jets as it entered Saudi airspace. The Prime Minister is on an official visit to the Kingdom at the invitation of the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. PM Narendra Modi, along with Crown Prince and the PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will co-chair the second Leaders' Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council during his visit to the country. Since 2014, PM Modi has transformed the trajectory of India's relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries. This will be PM Modi's third visit to the country, following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019. All other Prime Ministers before him had visited Saudi Arabia a total of three times in the previous seven decades. This also marks his 15th visit to a country in the Gulf region. In an interview with Arab News ahead of his visit to the Kingdom, PM Modi had praised the "limitless potential" of India's growing ties with Saudi Arabia. "In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability." He praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman's leadership, calling him "a strong advocate of our bilateral ties" and a visionary who has inspired global admiration through the reforms under Vision 2030. Speaking about the 2.7 million strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia, PM Modi told Arab News that he is grateful to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, "for the patronage they have provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia". PM Modi had also underscored, "For my government, the members of the Indian diaspora are the "rashtradoots" (national ambassadors). The 4Cs -- Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute -- is the motto of our engagement with our diaspora. Their safety, welfare and well-being is paramount for us."
News18
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
'More Than Diplomacy': Saudi Man Sings ‘Ae Watan' On PM Modi's Arrival In Jeddah
Last Updated: Dressed in a traditional Arab garment called 'kandoora', the Saudi man sang the patriotic Bollywood number from the Meghna Gulzar directorial 'Raazi', starring Alia Bhatt Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday received a warm welcome as he arrived in Jeddah for his two-day visit to Saudi Arabia on the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While greeting members of the Indian community, Modi was pleasantly surprised to hear a Saudi man's rendition of Ae Watan. Dressed in a traditional Arab garment called 'kandoora', he passionately sang the patriotic Bollywood number from the Meghna Gulzar directorial Raazi (2018). The movie stars Alia Bhatt, who plays an Indian spy married into a Pakistani military officer. Sharing the video, Union minister Kiren Rijiju said the gesture means 'more than diplomacy" on the Prime Minister's arrival. You know it's more than diplomacy when 'Ae Watan" is sung in Jeddah as Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji emotion, it's honour, it's Bharat commanding global admiration. #PMModiInJeddah #PMModiInSaudiArabia #IndiaSaudiTies — Kiren Rijiju (@KirenRijiju) April 22, 2025 'You know it's more than diplomacy when 'Ae Watan" is sung in Jeddah as Hon'ble PM Shri Narendra Modi ji arrives. It's emotion, it's honour, it's Bharat commanding global admiration," he wrote in a post on X. This is the PM's third visit to the country and the first one to the historic coastal city of Jeddah. 'Landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This visit will strengthen the friendship between India and Saudi Arabia. Eager to take part in the various programmes today and tomorrow," he posted on X along with pictures. He and the Crown Prince will co-chair the second meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council, established during the 2019 visit to strengthen bilateral ties. (With PTI inputs) First Published: April 22, 2025, 17:35 IST
Times of Oman
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Times of Oman
Indian diaspora welcomes Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jeddah
Jeddah: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Jeddah on Tuesday for a two-day State visit to Saudi Arabia.. Upon his arrival in the country, he interacted jovially with the members of the Indian community. PM Modi appreciated the performance of the patriotic song "Ae Watan" from the Bollywood blockbuster movie 'Raazi,' which was sung by the members of the Indian community. The room turned electric and erupted with a fervour of patriotism washing over as the Indian community as the members sang along, and the Prime Minister Modi also clapped to the performance. He also saw several dance performances, including Kathak, and interacted with the dancers. Shaking hands with people and waving to them, the PM interacted with the vibrant Indian community in Jeddah. Indian flags were proudly waved by the community members, who turned out in large numbers to greet their Prime Minister. Upon his arrival in Saudi Arabia, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a ceremonial 21-gun salute and was received by the top brass. In a special gesture of honour, PM Modi's aircraft was escorted by Royal Saudi Air Force fighter jets as it entered Saudi airspace. The Prime Minister is on an official visit to the Kingdom at the invitation of the Crown Prince and the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman. PM Narendra Modi, along with Crown Prince and the PM of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, will co-chair the second Leaders' Meeting of the India-Saudi Arabia Strategic Partnership Council during his visit to the country. Since 2014, PM Modi has transformed the trajectory of India's relations with Saudi Arabia and the Gulf countries. This will be PM Modi's third visit to the country, following earlier visits in 2016 and 2019. All other Prime Ministers before him had visited Saudi Arabia a total of three times in the previous seven decades. This also marks his 15th visit to a country in the Gulf region. In an interview with Arab News ahead of his visit to the Kingdom, PM Modi had praised the "limitless potential" of India's growing ties with Saudi Arabia. "In a world full of uncertainties, our bond stands strong, as a pillar of stability." He praised Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman's leadership, calling him "a strong advocate of our bilateral ties" and a visionary who has inspired global admiration through the reforms under Vision 2030. Speaking about the 2.7 million strong Indian community in Saudi Arabia, PM Modi told Arab News that he is grateful to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, "for the patronage they have provided to the Indian community in Saudi Arabia". PM Modi had also underscored, "For my government, the members of the Indian diaspora are the "rashtradoots" (national ambassadors). The 4Cs -- Care, Connect, Celebrate and Contribute -- is the motto of our engagement with our diaspora. Their safety, welfare and well-being is paramount for us."
