JEDDAH/NEW DELHI, APRIL 23: In a key diplomatic interaction that underscored India’s outreach to the Islamic world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League (MWL), in Jeddah. The meeting reaffirmed mutual commitment to interfaith harmony and the global fight against terrorism.
Dr. Al-Issa, one of the most influential Islamic voices globally, began the meeting by strongly condemning the recent terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Describing it as “ghastly,” he conveyed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims and expressed solidarity with India in its stand against violence and extremism.
Prime Minister Modi, who had last met Dr. Al-Issa in New Delhi in July 2023, expressed appreciation for the Muslim World League’s global role in promoting moderate values, religious tolerance, and social cohesion. He said the League’s consistent stance against terrorism and its call for moderation reflected a powerful moral compass in today’s fractured world.
Reiterating India’s civilizational ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — the ancient belief that “the world is one family” — PM Modi highlighted that India’s strength lies in its pluralism. “India is home to multiple cultures, religions, languages, and ethnicities. This diversity is not a challenge but a vibrant force that shapes our democracy, our identity, and our global outlook,” he said.
The Prime Minister also commended the MWL’s efforts to challenge extremist ideologies and promote dialogue among cultures. “Your voice matters in the global narrative on peace. We appreciate your vision and moral leadership,” Modi told Dr. Al-Issa.
The two leaders also reviewed the growing bilateral partnership between India and Saudi Arabia. PM Modi noted that the relationship has evolved into a robust and enduring partnership across sectors — from trade and energy to security cooperation and cultural exchange.
He emphasized the importance India places on its ties with Saudi Arabia, not just from a strategic perspective but also due to the close people-to-people and socio-cultural connections. The presence of over two million Indians in the Kingdom and the emotional bond Indian Muslims share with the holy cities of Mecca and Medina add a unique depth to the relationship.
Observers see the meeting as a continuation of India’s proactive engagement with global Islamic institutions that promote inclusive and reformist values. It comes at a time when India is asserting a larger role in regional diplomacy, particularly in West Asia.
Dr. Al-Issa, a former Saudi Minister of Justice and a leading voice in Islamic diplomacy, has been internationally recognized for advocating interfaith dialogue and rejecting radicalism. His engagement with India is seen as a sign of the shifting dynamics in global Muslim leadership — one that seeks to bridge divisions through outreach and mutual respect.
