India, April 22 -- F-15 combat jets of the Royal Saudi Air Force escorted Prime Minister Narendra Modi's special flight when it entered the kingdom's airspace on Tuesday as a special gesture.

Modi flew to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday morning for a two-day visit, during which he and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will review bilateral relations and co-chair a meeting of the Strategic Partnership Council.

The escort by the Saudi combat jets reflected the deepening of bilateral defence ties in recent years, people familiar with the matter said on condition of anonymity.

Ahead of his arrival in Jeddah, Modi described Saudi Arabia as "one of India's most valued partners - a maritime neighbour, a trusted friend and a strategic ally".

Growing d...