India PM Modi, MWL chief propose ‘Diversity and Harmony’ summit during Jeddah meeting

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, to discuss strengthening intercultural dialogue and cooperation. (Muslim World League)
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Updated 24 April 2025
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India PM Modi, MWL chief propose ‘Diversity and Harmony’ summit during Jeddah meeting

  • Both leaders highlighted the importance of promoting coexistence in diverse societies, especially amid rising global tensions and polarization

JEDDAH: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League, to discuss strengthening intercultural dialogue and cooperation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The meeting focused on the proposal to organize a “Summit of Diversity and Harmony” in India, home to the world’s largest Muslim minority.

Both leaders highlighted the importance of promoting coexistence in diverse societies, especially amid rising global tensions and polarization.

The two also condemned the terrorist attack in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians earlier in the week.

They expressed their shared condemnation of terrorism in all forms, highlighting the need to avoid linking such violence with any particular religion, race, or culture.

The meeting built on key themes addressed in the joint statement issued at the conclusion of Modi’s Saudi Arabia visit, including a commitment to enhance cooperation on counterterrorism and its financing, and to combat transnational threats.

Modi traveled to Saudi Arabia to bolster strategic ties between the two countries, focusing on energy, defense, food security and digital cooperation.

Talks included plans for joint projects in oil refineries and petrochemicals, as well as expanded collaboration on critical and emerging technologies.


Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day with displays, special events

Updated 11 March 2026
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Saudi Arabia celebrates Flag Day with displays, special events

  • Nation goes green in show of unity, belonging
  • Current design of the flag, which represents unity and sovereignty, was adopted in 1937

RIYADH: A new art exhibition has opened at King Abdulaziz Public Library in Riyadh, as the country celebrates Flag Day, which fell on Wednesday.

The event, titled “In Love with Green,” is being held in collaboration with the Saudi Art Association and features 20 fine art paintings inspired by the Saudi flag, as well as other cultural and contemporary images and landmarks.

The current design of the flag, which represents unity and sovereignty, was adopted in 1937. It features the Shahada and a sword symbolizing justice and safety, representing the unification of the Kingdom during the reign of King Abdulaziz Al-Saud.

The exhibition, at the library’s services branch and reading halls on Khurais Road, was opened by the library’s Director General Bandar Al-Mubarak and the association’s board chair Hanaa Al-Shibly.

Visitors can attend from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Elsewhere in the country, public spaces and buildings have become a sea of green for Flag Day.

In Al-Baha, government buildings, squares and main roads were decorated with green lighting and national flags were hoisted in public squares.

It was a similar picture in Makkah, where people celebrated the annual show of pride and belonging against a green backdrop.

In Tabuk, authorities installed more than 7,000 flags along roads, squares and bridges, while the region’s landmarks and tunnels were illuminated with green and white lights.

More than 10,000 Saudi flags were also hoisted in Jazan, where Souk Al-Awalin in Jazan City is set to host a range of events and performances to mark the special occasion.